Professional lobbyists are essential for sound policy

Well-prepared lobbyists are functional and necessary contributors to public policy discussions at all levels of government.

Our history is replete with examples of one person advocating for the well-being of a larger group of people or businesses significantly impacted by laws and regulation.

Lobbying was conducted on behalf of our state before its birth.

In 1732, King George II succumbed to the persistent lobbying of social reformer James Edward Oglethorpe and authorized the establishment of the colony of Georgia.

Through Oglethorpe’s advocacy, prison ills in Britain were corrected and opportunities were opened in the namesake colony.

Like Oglethorpe, some lobbyists represent charitable organizations. Others represent business and industry.

Georgia state lawmakers depend on a limited number of research staff and committee aides. Professional lobbyists educate officials and staff with information, expertise and perspective that is not always readily available.

Lobbyists also serve as filters of new ideas, pointing to flaws and unintended consequences.

The presence of professional advocates on several sides of each issue assures a thorough and healthy debate.

So-called entertainment of elected officials is among the most controversial elements of lobbying.

The purchase of meals or travel expenses by lobbyists for legislators creates opportunities for necessary discussion.

In Georgia, all of these expenses must be reported to the Government Transparency and Campaign Finance Commission. This “ethics commission” posts all reported expenses on a state website where the public can examine the information.

The benefit of social interaction among businesses and customers is the same as the benefit to lobbyists and government officials — increased understanding and appreciation for the perspective of the other party.

Some organizations have called for caps or a ban on lobbyist expenditures.

Before this is seriously considered, one should look to states where legislators are prohibited from receiving any gift or entertainment, even a cup of coffee.

Are the laws passed in those states more effective than in Georgia? Do the legislators there make better decisions because they’ve interacted less socially with professional policy advocates?

The Founding Fathers made quite clear in the U.S. Constitution that freedom of speech and the right to seek redress from the government are protected.