Recovery Act Discussions With Lobbyists Limited

Washington, April 15 – State and local officials who rely on lobbyists to push their case in Washington may want to take a careful look at new Office of Management and Budget guidance to federal agencies concerning lobbyist activities related to American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds.

The guidance seeks to enhance transparency in agency communications with federally registered lobbyists concerning Recovery Act funds. It does not place any restrictions on general questions from lobbyists about the logistics of the act, such as how to apply for funding, how to conform to deadlines, which agency officials will receive applications and questions, and other requests for information about Recovery Act program requirements and agency practices. It also places no restrictions on widely attended gatherings of stakeholders.