GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
The Government Relations (“GR”) Committee has three main functions:
First, to communicate legislative and regulatory information to the Orange County chapter members that may affect the financial planning profession and/or their practices.
Second, the GR Committee helps educate state officials about our profession and makes the FPA’s purposes known to legislators within the sphere of our chapter as we meet with the members of Congress and state legislators at least annually.
Third, we report back to FPA’s Washington, D.C. office with any news on possible legislation or regulatory developments in our state, either on a monthly GR call or directly to an FPA lobbyist.
Responsibilities include:
- Chair or designee to attend monthly Capitol Update teleconferences held by FPA National GR
- To make the FPA known to congressional, state, and local legislators
- Inform the chapter membership about professional and/or legislative issues that affect the profession
- Identify FPA members who have relationships with legislators and/or staff
- Provide grass-roots support for National GR efforts
- Promote the value of FPA-PAC to the chapter membership and encourage PAC contributions
- Once per year, attempt to get one legislator, politician, or political appointee to be a speaker at an FPA quarterly education meeting
- Communicate and/or coordinate efforts with other Southern California FPA Chapters and
- Support the creation of a statewide chapter so that FPA of California can gain additional political presence and awareness.
The GR Committee is looking for people who care about the future of the financial planning profession, and have interests in legislative and/or regulatory issues. Persons who have connections with any politicians and/or their staff would be ideal, but certainly not required.
A GR Committee volunteer would attend a quarterly meeting lasting approximately 60 to 90 minutes. One person would be the designated secretary for the committee. Others would help develop strategies to meet and influence legislators. This would include keeping a list current of all congressional and state-level legislators, including staff contact information. Some members would go to the offices of legislators to introduce the FPA and explore ways that the FPA can help his/her district. If Pro Bono or community service opportunities arise, someone would coordinate efforts with the Pro Bono Committee.
If you are interested in any of the following areas: Legislative Issues, Regulatory Issues, Future of the Profession, Political Campaigns, Going to Town Hall Meetings, whether it is in the capacity of a full committee member, part-time, or just as an occasional consultant, please contact Samantha Vient, Director of Government Relations.
