Legislative Services

TFG has been instrumental in developing and implementing legislative and policy strategies to authorize and utilize federal agency capabilities and resources in a manner designed to bring local communities and interests together in regional and multi-disciplinary programs. Our combination of legislative experience, policy understanding, regulatory competence, and communication skills relating to issues that impact water, transportation, energy and the environment, and a host of other areas, has enabled us to take a leading role in the development of legislation and policy on behalf of a broad range of clients. Often, our lobbyists are directly involved in drafting legislative and regulatory changes that result in the creation of new, innovative financing programs that benefit local governments. Based on significant expertise, TFG has put our understanding of the political and policymaking process to work for our clients, and help them implement the strategic plan through targeted interaction with the federal government.

Why Choose TFG?

Legislative tracking and monitoring
Analysis and comparison of bill drafts and amendments
Development and submission of legislative comments and testimony
Drafting of legislative language, bills, and amendments
Advance notice and analysis of major legislative proposals
Advocacy in support of or in opposition to legislation

Case Studies

Tax-Exempt Municipal Bonds

TFG has partnered with national coalitions and our municipal clients to help preserve the tax-exempt status and marketability of municipal bonds. We have helped our clients communicate to their congressional delegations the importance of tax-exempt municipal bonds as a necessary tool to build essential infrastructure in their communities. We have also been on the forefront of legislative efforts to ensure that municipal bonds are considered liquid assets for large financial institutions. If not, the cost of borrowing will increase, which will negatively impact all of our municipal clients.

Transportation Funding Repurposing

Under the Department of Transportation's rules set by the moratorium on congressional earmarks in place, communities who had received funding for local transportation projects faced issues completing projects that needed slight adjustments to the scope of the project. Working on behalf of several clients, TFG raised awareness of the issue and pursued a legislative fix to the problem, including introducing a bipartisan amendment to the FAST Act. Ultimately, authority was provided in an omnibus appropriations that allows state DOT's to work with local sponsoring agencies to ensure the original funding was spent on the local projects. TFG clients were one of the first communities to take advantage of the new program.

USDA Program Eligibility

The community of Los Osos, CA is required to improve waste water facilities to prevent polluted waters from leaching from thousands of private septic systems into Morro Bay National Estuary. The County was originally barred from competing for grant funding under the U.S. Department Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service (RUS) grants and loans because Los Osos exceeded the regulatory population limit. TFG worked with the County to accurately define the area of benefit and worked with the County’s congressional delegation to secure legislation providing a population limitation waiver to Los Osos. This action allowed the County to compete for USDA funding, resulting in the largest Recovery Act grant and loan provided by RUS.

Services & Issue Areas of Expertise

Transportation

Broadband & Telecommunications

Economic & Community Development/Housing

Environment & Sustainability

Health Care & Social Services

Public Safety

Disaster Preparedness & Recovery

Flood Issues

Water Resources

US Congressional Calendar

Alex Yiannoutsos / Monday, July 22, 2024

/ Categories: News, News & Alerts

TFG Elevates Lane Dickson to Partner

Lane brings nearly 20 years of advocacy experience to TFG’s leadership.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – TFG is pleased to announce the promotion of Lane Dickson to Partner. Since joining TFG as a Principal in 2021, Lane has been instrumental in developing and executing comprehensive advocacy strategies for clients before Congress and federal agencies.

“Lane's promotion to Partner is a testament to his exceptional leadership and dedication since joining TFG. His vast experience in water, power, natural resources, and municipal finance has been invaluable in developing effective policy solutions and advocacy strategies for our clients,” said Mark Limbaugh, TFG President. “Lane's ability to navigate complex legislative environments and build consensus among diverse stakeholders makes him an outstanding addition to our leadership team. We are confident his continued contributions will drive TFG’s strategic vision and operational success.”

Lane brings nearly 20 years of extensive experience in Washington, D.C. His work includes significant contributions to water resources and energy legislation, such as the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act, the Colorado River Drought Contingency Plan Authorization Act, the Water Supply Infrastructure Rehabilitation and Utilization Act, and the Energy Act of 2020.

Lane has served in several prominent roles including Senior Professional Staff on the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources and as a Senior Manager of Federal Affairs at the Salt River Project. Lane’s background also includes serving as a Special Assistant for Congressional and Legislative Affairs at the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, and as Clerk for the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Resources, Subcommittee on Water & Power. His educational background includes a B.S. in Soil and Water Science from the University of California, Davis, and an MBA from George Mason University.

Partners at TFG are the driving force behind major decision-making processes, instrumental in resource allocation, and lead investments in innovation to ensure sustainable growth. Beyond these duties, partners are mentors, nurturing a healthy work culture and inspiring excellence in the entire TFG team at all levels.

2047

Tags: TFG Energy Water and Natural Resources Lane Dickson TFG Advocacy Division Partner

Latest TFG News

24 July 2024

Kristen H. Long Promoted to Grants Principal at TFG

TFG strengthens leadership team amidst explosive growth in grants division.

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The TFG Grants Division is pleased to announce the promotion of Kristen H. Long to Grants Principal. Kristen has been an integral part of the TFG Grants Division since 2022.

Meet a Team Member