Craven & Ober, Policy Strategists, L.L.C.
"A full service lobbying & government relations firm"

In-store healthcare wins state approval
CVS planning to open clinics for minor ills

By Stephen Smith

Boston Globe Staff / January 10, 2008

After state regulators cleared the way yesterday for store-based medical clinics, CVS Corp. said it plans to open more than two dozen inside Massachusetts drugstores this year, dispensing treatment for bronchitis and earaches a few aisles away from shelves of candy and nail polish.

The vote by the Public Health Council marked a signal and controversial shift in the healthcare landscape: The CVS MinuteClinics will be for-profit operations staffed by nurse practitioners only, in a state where medical treatment historically has been the province of not-for-profit hospitals and physicians working in mostly large group practices. Other pharmacy chains and retail stores, as well as hospitals and community health centers, could also open limited service clinics.

The members of the council, which sets policy for the Department of Public Health, anguished over their decision, torn by a desire to improve patients' access to routine care - the clinics will be open nights and weekends - but not to substitute episodic treatment in a store for an ongoing relationship with a doctor.

Still, the eight members of the panel who voted in favor of the clinics and even the five who abstained said this was the right time to expand access. There is a shortage of primary-care physicians, leading some patients to turn up in hospital emergency rooms for routine care - and that was before nearly 300,000 previously uninsured Massachusetts residents gained coverage as part of the state's near-universal health insurance initiative, expected to spur even greater demand.

In approving the clinics, the council insisted on strict patient safety provisions and required that each clinic be individually licensed by state overseers.

Ronald Preston, a former top health official in Massachusetts, described the clinics as "an entirely reputable business."

"If they're well-run and they stay within certain parameters, they fill a need," said Preston, now a private healthcare consultant who is also on the faculty at the University of Massachusetts Medical School.

"My issue with them," he said of the clinics, "is what they say about the whole healthcare delivery system: The primary-care delivery system in this country is dying. The reason why these things have become important is because there's this big hole in the delivery system."

CVS, a national pharmacy chain based in Rhode Island, opened its first MinuteClinic nearly eight years ago in Minnesota's Twin Cities, and now operates 466 in-store clinics in 25 states.

The first facilities in Greater Boston should open by the start of flu season next fall, MinuteClinics chief executive officer Michael Howe said in an interview yesterday. Executives are still deciding which stores will get clinics, Howe said, but they plan to have 100 to 120 clinics in stores stretching from Cape Cod to the Berkshires within three to five years.

The type of clinic approved yesterday will treat minor problems such as sore throats, ear infections, and poison ivy, but not chronic diseases such as cancer or diabetes, nor serious emergencies. Nurse practitioners at MinuteClinics are trained to spot patients with more severe illnesses or needing specialized care and send them to a doctor or emergency room.

No appointments are made and visits typically last 15 minutes. Treatment for common illnesses typically costs $59 or $69 at MinuteClinics in Connecticut. In Massachusetts, Howe said, he expects insurance companies to cover the visits as they do in other states.

"Being located in a CVS, the nice thing about it is if there's a wait time, they can go ahead and do some of their shopping and complete some of their other errands," Howe said.

CVS's pursuit of the Massachusetts market, first signaled to the state last May, triggered an extensive review by healthcare regulators, who focused on assuring that the in-store clinics would not sacrifice quality in the name of expediency. The regulations drafted are not limited to CVS; instead, the rules apply to any retail company, hospital, or community health center that wants to open a limited-service clinic outside traditional settings.

Public Health Council members had earlier expressed a number of concerns, seeking guarantees that health professionals in the facilities would be qualified, for example, to treat children, and that nurse practitioners would have prompt access by telephone to physicians who are under contract to provide consultations.

The panel's members also wanted hand sanitizer available at the clinics and restrooms adjacent to the facilities so that patients don't have to walk across the store. All these provisions were incorporated in the regulation adopted yesterday.

At the council's meeting yesterday, some members, especially physicians who sit on the board, called for even tighter regulation of the clinics, leading other members to question whether the rules would become too burdensome.

"This is a new model; how much of this is necessary for this type of thing to operate?" said board member Harold Cox, an associate dean at the Boston University School of Public Health. "I want to make sure we're not doing something so complicated and onerous" that potential operators of limited-service clinics would be deterred from opening.

Dr. Michael Wong, an infectious disease specialist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center who sits on the council, said he abstained from voting because while he endorsed the goal of expanding access, he would have preferred if the initial push had emerged from a health advocacy group.

"What worries me," he said, "is this is a for-profit organization coming in saying we want to set up these limited-service clinics in a retail facility." Critics said the facilities would further fragment care.

Debra A. Geihsler, chief executive of the major group practices Atrius Health and Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates, said in an interview that she was dismayed by the decision to allow the clinics, although she acknowledged that "our patients are clearly expressing they are looking for quicker, and more, access, and that's what we're hearing loud and clear.

"But I am disappointed because high-quality, coordinated care is through the physician's office and that's better care and ultimately more cost-effectivethan in-store clinics, she said.

Howe, the MinuteClinics executive, said fragmentation of care predated in-store clinics. He promised that the clinics will actually "promote continuity of care" by sharing records of visits with patients' primary care physicians.
Representatives of other retail outlets with in-store clinics elsewhere said yesterday they have no immediate plans to move into Massachusetts.

Stephen Smith can be reached at stsmith@globe.com.

Sunday, February 18, 2007

Alarm installers being certified
By Shaun Sutner TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF
ssutner@telegram.com

State public safety officials have overhauled security alarm regulations in a move that independent security
installers say will protect the public from unscrupulous subcontractors.
Since Jan. 1, all employees of companies that are licensed to install security systems have had to undergo a
criminal background check performed by their employers, and employers have had their backgrounds
checked by the state Department of Public Safety.
In addition, the public safety agency has tightened up license rules by requiring local wiring inspectors to
obtain from anyone seeking a permit for security system work to present either their special security “Slicense,” or a certificate of background clearance at the time of permit application.

The changes were announced in a Nov. 22 letter to municipal wiring inspectors from Todd M. Grossman,
deputy general counsel for the DPS. They are meant to update and clarify rules that have been in effect since 1988 but have not been enforced, said Thomas G. Gatzunis, the state commissioner of public safety.
“It’s something that’s been on the books that we should have been doing all along, but because of
misinterpretation has not been done correctly,” Mr.Gatzunis said.

For example, while S-license holders have been subject to CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) checks, employees such as salesmen, installers, data entry clerks and others have not.
Now that they are, homeowners and business owners can be more confident that electricians and security
company workers who are coming into their homes, handling sensitive computer data such as passwords
and user names, or monitoring video surveillance systems have been safely vetted, those in the industry
say.

“This is extremely good news for businesses and extremely good news for consumers,” said James
Colleary, acting wire inspector in Southboro and a security-licensed master electrician. “It makes reputable
companies stay reputable, and it makes those that aren’t come up to standard.”
Two major industry groups, the Massachusetts Systems Contractors Association and the Massachusetts-
Rhode Island Wiring Inspectors Association, have endorsed the new rules.

James J. Colleary of Southboro, the town's acting inspector, has been involved in the effort to upgrade state security alarm regulations. (T&G Staff / BETTY JENEWIN)

The contractors group, which has a membership of about 300 companies, has worked with the DPS to
review the rules. Robert K. Boucher, a past president of the group and a current member of its board, called Mr. Gatzunis last year after hearing about changes made to amusement regulations in the wake of the 2004 death of a 38-year-old man on a carnival ride in Shrewsbury.
He said he suggested that similar scrutiny be given to security systems in light of the growth of the industry,
which has expanded dramatically since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and as costs for high-tech items
such as video cameras have fallen steadily. “It is a law that has been on the books, but in fact everyone was not complying with it, which was opening themselves to potentially losing the business if an employee went bad,” Mr. Boucher, who owns Seaside Alarm in South Yarmouth, said.

He and others said most in the business have already been checking their employees’ backgrounds. But
now every company, from the one-person subcontracting shop to national security mega-chains such as
ADT, must used fully licensed, background-checked workers in every phase of their operations.
Ronald Belling, sales manager for Arlington-based American Alarm & Communications Inc., a large regional
company with a major office in Worcester, said the extra certification and scrutiny won’t add up to higher
costs for consumers because his company and others have already been doing the work.
“We’re glad the spotlight has been placed upon this and they have further refined it,” Mr. Belling, a West
Brookfield resident, said. “The people we send into your homes are going to be of high moral character.”
Contact Shaun Sutner by e-mail at ssutner@telegram.com.

HIGHER AUTISM RATE IN MASSACHUSETTS CITED IN PUSH FOR MORE FUNDING

By Priscilla Yeon
STATE HOUSE NEWS SERVICE

STATE HOUSE, APRIL 30, 2007…….The number of children diagnosed with autism in Massachusetts is growing at a faster pace than the national average, and parents, advocates and professionals today asked legislators to increase funding for more state services to help children and adults with autism.
According to the Advocates for Autism Massachusetts (AFAM), one in every 122 children in the state is diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) while the national average is one in every 150 children. This year, more children have been diagnosed with autism than AIDS, cancer and diabetes combined, according to the group.
ASD is a developmental disorder that affects people’s communication, social skills and response to surroundings.
Evelene Milorin brought her 35-year-old son, Reginald, to the stage here today to talk about his struggle in getting state support and a job to live more independently.
Her son at the age of 22 had finished school but could not get full employment in a dry cleaning store. Now her son is a jewelry maker and he lives on his own with assistance.
Fourteen years ago, when she came to the State House to talk to legislators about more services, she was alone, Milorin recalled. She told the crowd that filled Great Hall today to keep advocating for more services to children and adults with autism.
“Today I have mixed emotions of joy and sadness on how far we’ve come and how far we still need to go,” said Milorin.
Milorin said it is important to advocate for more respect, jobs, housing, fitness and recreational opportunities for all people with autism.
Senate President Therese Murray said most people know little about ASD and how much it affects parents. “We’ll strive to do what we can,” said Murray.
Speakers today called for an additional $5 million in the Department of Mental Retardation’s budget for family support services and bringing the Division of Autism funding to $5 million.
The sivision is two years old and needs more funding to expand services, former NFL star Doug Flutie told the News Service. Flutie, founder of the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism Inc., has a 15-year-old son with autism.
He said his son’s developmental stage is of a 10-month-old baby. At today’s event, he identified his family story with speaker Amy Wenning, whose 14-year old brother, Cody, has a developmental level of a nine-month-old baby.
“Cody is my motivation every day,” said Wenning. “It is my hope and my mission to make sure Cody gets the care he deserves.”
Flutie said more state services are crucial to provide some relief to families and individuals directly impacted by autism.
“A lot more needs to be done,” he said. “A big group of kids are turning 20 and we’re going to need more legislative action to help them.”
Rep. Barbara L’Italien said right now she is the only legislator who has a child with ASD, but as the number of children diagnosed with ASD continues to grow, there will likely be more legislators with a similar situation.
L’Italien filed a bill that would increase funding for the Division of Autism to $5 million. The funding is necessary to try to expand services and successfully implement the Children’s Medicaid Waiver Program, according to AFAM. The program would provide qualified young children with ASD with intensive in-home services and the state would be reimbursed 50 percent of the total costs.
L’Italien presented two awards to Sen. Michael Morrissey (D-Quincy) and Rep. Tom Sannicandro for their efforts in advocating for children’s health and more services to help families and individuals with ASD.
Health and Human Services Secretary JudyAnn Bigby said she has two nephews, ages 4 and 30, who have autism. She said while the 30-year-old was only diagnosed when he was 12 and now is severely disabled, her younger nephew has benefited greatly from early intervention programs.
“We must do more to ensure everyone with autism gets the services they need,” she said.

April, 2005

“People”

Policy Strategists campaigns for safety belt safety………………………………………………………….
The two practicing nurses who run the Massachusetts-based US lobbying firm Policy Strategists are aiming to get a bill into the state’s legislation which would make it compulsory for people to wear seatbelts.

Gloria Craven and Stacey Ober are pushing the National Safety Council's initiative to ensure that primary legislation makes it illegal not to wear a seatbelt.  Currently, secondary legislation means that a person can been fined if they are stopped for another offense, such as speeding, and are found not be wearing a seatbelt.  But drivers and passengers, other than those under the age of 12 can otherwise drive without a belt on. 

 “Massachusetts has the second lowest use of seatbelts after Mississippi”,
Ms. Craven says.  “There are a tremendous number of accidents that result in disabilities as opposed to death”.  Seatbelt policy, supported by the World Health Organization, has been slow to catch on is some areas of the US where the states have jurisdiction.  Ms. Craven refers to the civil libertarian pressures that have prevented any legislation getting through both houses in Massachusetts. Whilst the bill passed through the Senate in a previous session, it failed in the House.  Policy Strategists’ hopes are now pinned on the latest session of the state legislature to get the legislation passed.

April, 2005

Hiring a Government Relations Firm: An Extension of Your Business and Image

Businesses frequently have significant financial stakes on major issues before the Massachusetts Legislature or the executive branch of government.  Many of them for example, are confronting regulatory fees; proposed taxes on business earnings; legislation exposing them to liability, or requirements that they account for business income differently.  Trade associations frequently advocate on behalf of whole industries in relation to large issues such as these.  Individual companies may also benefit from hiring a government relations firm, but may struggle with choices about which firm and what lobbying style. 

Whether you want help handling local concerns and public policy questions that come up, need assistance to sharpen your message to defuse opposition to a project or need help carrying out a strategy to deliver that message to build essential community support, hiring a government relations firm just may be the answer.  Some observers note that lobbyists have become an important and fundamental part of the legislative process, a de facto fourth branch of state government. Professional lobbying is essentially getting the right information to the right person at the right time.  Expert government relations firms excel in this skill set.  

You likely have a mission and vision for your company’s future.  Significant time has been spent developing implementation plans for any number of specific projects.  It is time to operationalize them, but you perceive obstacles.  Can you secure the appropriate permit in a timely fashion?  How can the company be seen in the community as a good neighbor?  How will you get everyone in town or on the city’s board of selectman to “yes”?  How does the legislature’s new committee structure and pending legislation affect the project?

Professional lobbyists convey their client’s vision to legislators and regulators.  The most important component of lobbying is communicating information. What wins consistently is reliable, accurate information communicated well that illustrates and supports your vision.  Elected officials are reliant upon dependable information.  Legislators frequently do not have a lot of staff and the issues can be very complex.  What they all want and need is good, solid and timely information.  When they get it, they appreciate it and are more likely to support or promote your issue.

A dedicated firm works with each client to understand their business, industry environment and legislative or executive goals.  Excellent working relationships with elected officials and administrative staffs allow these firms to use their experience and keen political insights to develop individual strategies for success.  These professionals must know the rulemaking processes and how to ensure their client’s perspective is understood at the table of public policy decision-making.

It is important to find a firm that is trusted and respected for operating with integrity over the years.  Having a legal advisor to provide technical assistance can be an important addition to the team.  A recognized expert in the subject area addressed by your issue is important too.  Ask for legislative or executive agency references to determine the firm’s credibility.  Do clients speak highly of the firm and its ability to access vital, customized information quickly and conveniently?  The firm will be viewed as an extension of you and your business, so finding the right firm to match your image and message is essential.  Professional firms should provide clients with access to key decision makers, customized legislative tracking systems, the full text of proposed regulation and legislation, detailed summaries of bills with professional analyses of their status and scrutiny of political trends, climate and opportunities.  A comprehensive full service firm will also assist with developing effective communications for specific target audiences to provide total client support and satisfaction.  Since the rulemaking and legislative processes can be slow and tedious, look for persons at a firm with patience, tenacity and humility, who take their work seriously, but not themselves. 

Politics, like business, is a competitive sport.  Just as networking can sustain your business, political relationships are equally important.  Be prepared to accept advice on how to build your political presence and strength.  You will be asked to make contributions to election campaigns.  It is a fact of life that fundraising is part of our democratic and election process.  When contributing to candidates, make a personal appearance.  Lasting change is the result of long term local relationships.  A government relations firm that compliments your business can advance your goals and enhance your growth.

 Craven & Ober Policy Strategists, LLC is a full service government relations and lobbying firm that is women owned and operated.  The firm is the only all women firm recognized among the top 20 Massachusetts government relations firms with political influence. 

The Boston Globe

STATE PUTS NEW FOCUS ON AUTISM DISORDERS
Author(s):    STATE HOUSE NEWS SERVICE

Date: April 13, 2004

By summer 2005, parents of children with autism will have an official clearinghouse to find information and support services, state officials said yesterday.

At a State House ceremony marking April as Autism Awareness Month, parents cheered as Gerald Morrissey, the commissioner of mental retardation, announced the creation of the Division of Autism Spectrum Disorders to oversee services and support for families. Morrissey said the office would respond to parents and legislators concerned that services are available only after battles with state bureaucracies.

"We need a system that works for kids, families, and adults across the state," Morrissey told members of the Statewide Coalition for Autism. "We can't rely on parents finding a

solution on their own."

The office, now in the planning stages, is set to open in full by July 2005, the start of the 2006 fiscal year. Still to be determined are its funding and staffing, he said.

When the state split the departments of Mental Health and Mental Retardation in 1987, "it left people with autism spectrum out in the cold," said Representative Barbara L'Italien, Democrat of Andover, whose 13-year-old son has Asperger's syndrome, a neurobiological disorder in which autistic-like behaviors are exhibited.

The Department of Public Health is working on a study, due out in December, on the number of children under 18 with autism in Massachusetts.

                Gov. Mitt Romney

BOSTON BUSINESS JOURNAL 
August 23-29 2002 Volume 22, Number 29

Lawmakers authorize $2.7 M

Borrowing for defibrillators 

BY ALLISON CONNOLLY

Despite major budget cuts, the state Legislature has authorized the Swift administration to borrow $2.7 million to buy automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) for police and fire departments in every city and town.

Massachusetts becomes only the second state in the nation - behind Rhode Island - to pass such a measure, said Gloria Craven, principal of Boston – based Craven & Ober Policy Strategists, LLC, a lobbying and government –relations firm that crafted the AED bill on behalf of the local chapter of the American Heart Association (AHA).

The devices, which cost around $3,000 each, shock a heart in cardiac arrest into a regular rhythm.  However, the chances of surviving a fatal fibrillation (an abnormal beat) decreases as much as 10 percent every minute that passes without defibrillation.  As such, the AHA supports AEDs being placed in public places.  But even many police and fire departments in the state do not have any.  “As you move away from Boston, access to AEDs drops greatly,” Craven said.

 Most recently, a Wellesley man suffered cardiac arrest and died on a commuter rail train bound for Boston. The train did not have an AED on board, and it took nearly 20 minutes for it to reach Back Bay Station in Boston, where EMTs were waiting to shock his heart.

However, the administration still has yet to borrow the money for the AEDs and it is not certain if it will.  Already, the Legislature has authorized more borrowing than the administration can afford.  So far, $10 billion in bonds have been authorized for capital projects, yet the bond cap stands at $1.2 billion, said Mike Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation.

“The 10 –to-1 ratio has been roughly the same for the last decade, “ Widmer said.  Widmer said the AED proposal may have a good chance of being funded because it is a rather small amount compared with most.

State Rep. Colleen Garry, D-Dracut, who rallied support for the bill, said the Legislature passed the initiative during hard economic times, so she thinks acting Gov. Jane Swift will consider it seriously. As the governor looks at it, I think she will realize that it is something that can truly save lives,” Garry said.  “It is worth it.”

WGBH Radio Interview

The firm’s life safety and science background resulted in $2.7 million dollars to purchase and distribute Automatic External Defibrillators on behalf of the American Heart Association.  The effort was featured on WGBH Radio’s Market place, public radio’s daily magazine of business and economics.  Listen to the Marketplace feature. 

Tougher DUI Law Enforced

Exclaiming "In my opinion, this is the most important public safety legislation in a generation," Rep. Reed Hillman, R-Sturbridge, former head of the State Police, celebrated Massachusetts finally joining the rest of the nation in enacting a “.08 per se” law.  MADD has ensured that a failed Breathalyzer test is now recognized as an objective measure of “impairment” for purposes of driving. 

Prior to this legislation, signed into law by Lt. Gov. Healey on Monday June 30, 2003, juries were allowed to sift through information given at trial and reduce charges despite the results of a breath test.  Breath tests have long been accepted as an accurate measure of the percentage of alcohol in the person's system.  The new law also suspends for 180 days, the driver's license of anyone who refuses to take a Breathalyzer test, and doubles the fines for anyone convicted or pleading guilty of driving drunk to $250.

Jorge Quiroga Reports On Tougher Laws

                                                             

 

 

 

 

May 7, 2003, Wednesday Great Hall - State House 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. CONTACT: Stacey Ober, Policy Strategists, LLC Dave Wescott

New Chair of Homeland Security, Representative Martin Walsh
In First Speech At
Massachusetts’ Systems Contractors Association Lobby Day
Will Test Electronic Systems On Display That
“Connect And Protect the Commonwealth…”

For Immediate Release: BOSTON, MA (May 7, 2003) 

The Massachusetts System Contractors Association Lobby Day titled: Electronic Systems Professionals…Connecting the Commonwealth will be held in the Great Hall on Wednesday May 7, 2003 from 10:30am – 12:00pm.  Featured speakers include Representative Martin Walsh, the first Chair of the newly formed House Committee on Homeland Security and Paul Frisoli, President of MSCA.  Advanced technologies effecting homeland security, personal, business and school security, fire warning and the quality of American life through automated systems are the focus of this educational program.

 Showcasing some of the newest appliances installed by licensed systems contractors and systems technicians, displays will include: LCD screens and home integration products; biometrics facial recognition systems; card access appliances utilized for school and municipal security; intercom, telephone, door entry, and environmental management systems.  Products locally manufactured include:

Viisage is a high-end face recognition product manufactured in Middleton, MA. This company has been highlighted in demonstrations of this type of technology since 9/11 and the system is currently used at major sports stadiums, the Super Bowl, and Logan Airport.

IEI is a company based in Canton. They will be showing fingerprint/card reader combinations. They also have a Smart Card technology that is popular in Europe and has recognized growing interest here in the US.

Recognition Systems has on display a hand geometry reader.  It scans the whole hand for identification.

The goal of the lobby day is to inform legislators that Systems Contractors and Systems Technicians are licensed to install, maintain and repair all types of power limited systems that transmit intelligence by way of sound, video, and data.  These products are present in homes, businesses, schools, municipalities and airports.  Networked systems integrate communications between electronic devices, the internet, telephones, emergency signals, and other data transmissions.  

The Massachusetts Systems Contractors Association, founded in 1978, is the trade association for professionals licensed by the Massachusetts Board of Electrical Examiners to install power-limited systems.  Licensure has been required since 1987.

Lastly, passage of the law guaranteed at least $2 million new dollars in federal highway funds, while avoiding severe penalties that would have been levied on Massachusetts; the withholding of more than $54 million dollars during the next four years.

 

From the December 09, 2002 Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly.
Lawmakers allocate $5.5 million for Norfork Probate & Family Courthouse

Stacey A. Ober is one of those attorneys who followed the advice that
there's a lot one can do with a law degree besides practicing law. As a
lobbyist, Ober is still advocating on behalf of her clients, but her forum
is on Beacon Hill rather than in a courtroom. The one-time nurse says that she went to law school "with an eye on influencing public policy," and that's exactly what she is doing. This past year, Ober has been instrumental in the passage of a number of bills that have affected lawyers directly. Most notably, she helped secure funding for the temporary relocation of the Norfolk Probate & Family Court so that the employees' victory would not be a "hollow" one. She also helped push through a bill that toughens the laws on
repeat drunk drivers. Ober recently sat down with Lawyers Weekly's Jason Scally to discuss her legislative advocacy efforts and how the poor public perception of lobbyists is unfounded.
Born: March 22, 1963; Medfield
Education: Suffolk University Law School, 1997; University of
Massachusetts-Amherst, 1985
Bar admission: 1997
Professional experience: Craven & Ober (2000-present); associate director for legislation and government affairs, Massachusetts Nurses Association (1997-2000); practicing nurse (1986-1997)
Professional affiliations: Boston and Worcester County bar associations
Outside interests: Skiing, scuba diving, boating

Q. We hear the word "lobbying" all the time, but what exactly does that entail?

A. Essentially you are a registered legislative agent on behalf of clients
who have a piece of public policy or some legislative initiative that's
being debated here in the state Legislature. Your role is to get the right
information to the right person at the right time as the legislative process unfolds. It requires an understanding of the process, an understanding of politics, and also the ability to make credible arguments to the Legislature as to why this particular aspect of the legislation may or may not be sound public policy, and why.

Q. When you hear criticism railing against lobbyists and "special interests," what is your response?

A. It's a recognized frustration that money is part of politics here in the
United States, so I just take it as an acknowledgement of people's
frustration about wanting to influence the process. I would say to those who are disenchanted with our process that, in fact, it does work, and we do have the ability to influence and shape the debate. Our system of government relies upon that active involvement. They say that politics abhors a vacuum, and I think that's very much true.

Q. How do you help the political process?

A. It's important to keep in mind that more than 7,000 bills are filed every on "the Hill." For example, we had a meeting with [Mothers Against Drunk Driving] in a legislative office where we presented a number of staggering statistics about the number of alcohol-related traffic fatalities in Massachusetts. It's about 50 percent. The national average hasn't been 50 percent since 1988, so we are more than a decade behind the rest of the nation in terms of the number of alcohol-related traffic fatalities. Their response to us was: "If you weren't here advocating on behalf of MADD, I can't think of anyone who would be up here providing us with that information, compiling those statistics and putting it before us." So that's really our role. If we weren't advocating on behalf of these issues, I think there might be a void.

Q. How did you get involved in the Norfolk Probate & Family Court case?

A. [The plaintiffs' attorney] Chris Milne approached us with an
understanding of our background, specifically in relation to health and
safety issues, because the case was about the health and safety of these courthouse workers. He knew we would have an intimate understanding of what issues were faced by those court workers.

Q. Why was it important for you to get involved?

A. Our role was in the interest of avoiding a hollow decision in the case
where the judge might agree with attorney Milne's case, but the decision would not have any funding associated with it. Attorney Milne was facing a climate where there were politically connected individuals who believed that the modular unit plan was the best route to go, and they were engaged in their own information campaign with the state Legislature about the benefits about the modular unit plan. Our role was about changing the tide, garnering bi-partisan support for the relocation plan, and how to build that support and arrive at that consensus that what he was putting forward really was the
best and most reasonable approach in terms of the health and safety of those court workers.

Q. So how did you convince the Legislature to provide the funding?

A. We conducted research around the courthouse bond bill that the
Legislature had passed a number of years ago that gave more than $600 million in capital improvement funding to the courthouses. We had to research that, because there was a question as to whether or not capital bond money could be used for a short-term, temporary lease project. That language was not specifically included in the capital bond bill that had passed. The commonwealth had to argue that the cap bond money could not be used to fund relocation on a temporary lease, and it was our challenge to show that there was factual evidence that [the Division of Capital Asset Management] had used money in the past on other projects for short-term lease arrangements. It really was the result of some political strategizing and a lot of legislative representatives in support of our goal in funding the court's decision.

Q. Does your legal background help you in your lobbying efforts?

A. It does. Our style is a little different than other lobbyists. We use a
team approach with our clients. You'll frequently see my business partner [Gloria T.A. Craven] and I working on an issue together, and it's because we bring different skill sets to the table. She really is the political animal in terms of knowing who to go to, who to talk to and recognizing folks that would be interested in an issue. My skill set is as the issue spotter. I anticipate what legal arguments might come before us as obstacles. So the skills I learned in law school have benefited us tremendously — not only for the ability to spot issues and anticipate what those issues are, but also in terms of doing legal research, drafting legislation, reviewing an amendment and analyzing what that might mean for the client.

Q. Do lawyers, in general, have an advantage as lobbyists?

A. The purpose of lobbying is influencing the enactment of legislation that becomes law, so I think there is a natural nexus there. It does entail legal skills frequently in crafting a solution that works and makes sense spotting what the issue is and then proposing a solution. It's a logical
fit.

Q. How can other lawyers get started in this business, and is it worth it for those seeking an alternative to traditional practice of law?

A. A common route is to work on "the Hill" or to work as staff through a
membership organization as a legislative agent. Get experience while being mentored by others in terms of the legislative process, and build a reputation. Begin to develop some relationships with those who are working up at the State House. Those relationships frequently mean access to various policy makers and the ability to make your case. So get involved politically, and develop some relationships.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                                                            

Date:  September 3, 2002                                                                                    
Governor Closes Loophole for Repeat Offenders

New Law will Close 10-Year Look Back Window

BOSTON — Governor Jane Swift signed into law a provision which will allow judges to consider drunk driving convictions further back than ten years when sentencing offenders.  The passing of the legislation shows promising hope of increasing effects of prosecution and sentencing of repeat offenders. 

Prior to the signing of the bill, a repeat offender would only serve time in a correctional facility after the third conviction within 10 years.  With the signing of the bill, all prior convictions will be taken into consideration. 

“We are extremely pleased with the signing of the bill and we hope this brings us closer to enacting tougher drunk driving laws for Massachusetts, said Barbara Harrington, MADD State Executive Director.  “We are still working hard to educate the public on the seriousness of this crime.” 

About one-third of all drivers arrested or convicted of driving while intoxicated or driving under the influence of alcohol are repeat offenders.  (NHTSA, January 2001)  The new law will target hardcore drunk drivers: chronic repeat offenders arrested time and again who are unable, or unwilling, to control their drinking and driving behavior. 

In 2001, there were more than 120,000 Massachusetts drivers with one prior DUI convictions on their driving record; more than 65,000 drivers has two or more DUI convictions.   Drinking drivers knew from their own experiences that the likelihood of arrest and conviction were very low.  Their persistent behavior jeopardized the safety of the general public.  The new law was written to close the loophole, which allowed for so many offenders to dodge jail time.

“We know that repeat offenders are a threat, which is why this law is so significant,” said Senator Cynthia S. Creem, (D-Newton).  “This law should act as a deterrent, especially for those who have been previously arrested for the crime.” 

Founded in 1980, MADD's mission is to stop drunk driving, support the victims of this violent crime and prevent underage drinking.  In June 2002, MADD Massachusetts helped to pass the Victims of Drunk Driving Trust Fund.  The law was only the second of its kind to pass in the county.  MADD continues to advocate for a number of legislative initiatives to combat drunk driving.  Visit www.madd.org for more information about MADD or call 800-633-6233 to receive up-to-date information on Massachusetts.

Press Release:

WITI Boston
Regional Network Event
Tuesday, April 30, 2002
6:00-8:30PM

Women Owned Government Relations Firms Teams up with Women in Technology to Discuss:
The Political Game and Why Women Must Play

Boston:  Craven & Ober Policy Strategists, LLC a women based government relations firm is teaming up with Women in Technology International (WITI) for an educational presentation hosted by the Boston Globe on April 30, 2002.  Founded in 1989, WITI's mission is to empower women worldwide to achieve unimagined possibilities and transformations through technology, leadership and economic prosperity. Nearly every issue that WITI members are committed to is also affected by politics and government.  “Politics is like baseball: You can never win if you don't play!” notes Gloria Craven, Managing Partner at Policy Strategists and program presenter.  This panel discussion will help WITI Boston members identify:

·    how politics affects their businesses

·    how to shape public policies and who to turn to in government for assistance

·    a way to understand the women’s agenda at the State House and on Beacon Hill

The Panel will include members of The Caucus of Women Legislators: Senator Joan M. Menard, Representative Kathi-Anne and Senator Marian Walsh.

Platinum Sponsors:

  Deloitte & Touche - http://www.dttus.com

  Veritude - http://www.veritude.com

  Boston Works - http://www.bostonworks.com

Event Sponsor:
Verizon - http://www.verizon.com

Event Date and Venue
This event will be held from 6:00-8:30PM on Tuesday, April 30, 2002 at:

The Boston Globe
William O. Taylor Auditorium
135 Morrissey Blvd.
Boston, Massachusetts 02125

 http://www.witi.com/boston/meeting.php?id=195

 

PRESS RELEASE

JACQUES, MONTIGNY AND ROGERS ANNOUNCE SENATE ENACTMENT OF MOTHERS AGAINST DRUNK DRIVING BILL

BOSTON, MA – State Senators Cheryl Jacques (D-Needham) and Mark Montigny (D-New Bedford) and State Represenative John H. Rogers (D-Norwood) announced today that the House and Senate enacted “An Act Establishing a Victims of Drunk Driving Trust Fund.”  The bill mandates that the courts levy a $50 surcharge for every “operating under the influence” (OUI) offense.  Jacques and Rogers estimated that the fund would generate $800,000 in revenue each year to be placed in a trust fund for the Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance (MOVA) to provide for the delivery of essential community-based services, such as grief counseling and crisis intervention, to victims of accidents caused by persons driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.  When signed into law, the fund would be the second of its kind in the country; Wyoming passed a similar law in 1999. 

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) first brought this bill to the legislators’ attention.  In addition, Senator Jacques has heard compelling advocacy for stricter drunk driving laws from constituents such as Josh Eilberg of Needham, whose brother was
killed by a drunk driver in June 2000.  

 “I appreciate the strong support of my Senate and House colleagues in recognizing the importance of this legislation to provide necessary funding to support victims of drunk driving,” said Jacques, chief Senate sponsor of the bill.  “We have all seen the tragic aftermath that drunk driving can leave in its wake, and the state should do all that it can to support the victims of this pervasive crime.  I applaud Mothers Against Drunk Driving, along with victims like Josh and his family for continually advocating for laws that will make the Commonwealth a safer place.”  

“This is a common sense piece of legislation that I am proud to support,” said Montigny, Chairman of the Senate Ways and Means Committee.  “It not only allows us to assist victims of drunk driving and their families, but it will discourage drunk driving by levying a fee against drunk drivers to underscore that driving under the influence is not a victimless crime.  Once again, Senator Jacques has shown strong leadership in fighting for important public safety legislation.”

“This law compassionately and wisely changes the old system that failed to provide restitution to victims of drunk driving,” said Rogers, House Ways and Means Chairman and Chief House Sponsor.  “This new and vitally necessary program provides a link between criminals providing financial and emotional relief directly to their victims and to the families of victims.”

“New research from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that 16,653 people were killed in alcohol-related traffic crashes in the U.S. last year, and it is estimated that another 600,000 people were injured,” said Barbara Harrington, MADD Massachusetts Executive Director. “In fact, 49% of all traffic deaths in Massachusetts are related to alcohol.  This places Massachusetts ten years behind the national statistics in curbing drunk driving.  The Victims of Drunk Driving Trust Fund is a step in the right direction in that it provides direct accountability of the offenders to victims.”
The bill will now be sent to the Governor for her consideration.