The Problem: The Health Insurance Industry wanted Congress to pass the Medicare reform legislation, but it also had a large stake in the specific provisions of the final bill. The industry came to Dutko Worldwide to secure strategic advice and tactics that would assist with the passage of legislation and help achieve their goals. Most knew the final vote would be very close, and seasoned, professional strategic advice, information and lobbying capabilities were important assets needed by the client.
Strategic Recommendation: Dutko Worldwide’s approach focused on providing a comprehensive program of research, state and local outreach and advocacy focused on building support for a bill the industry could support. We wanted to get deeply involved in the process, in order to be able to provide the client with real time information and advice. Important to our program was public opinion research and using our extensive state and local reach to enlist the aid of Governors. A Dutko principal was asked by the House congressional leadership to help organize an outside lobbying team.
Program Elements:
- Organized Republican Governors to lobby congressional delegations in favor of the legislation, pointing out the benefits of passing the legislation to their individual states.
- Conducted a public opinion poll evaluating level of voter support for Medicare reform.
- Briefed congressional leaders and rank-in-file members about the results of the research.
- Lead an outside team of trade association and business lobbyists who advocated for passage of the legislation.
- Advised House and Senate Republican leaders and staff about tactics and strategy aimed at passage of the legislation.
Results: The Legislation passed and is hailed as one of the major accomplishments of the first term of President Bush and the Republicans in Congress. The health insurance industry believes this bill is one of the most significant recent accomplishments for their members. We continue to work with companies interested in the implementation of the new Medicare law to ensure voters know about its provisions and are educated about the benefits included in the Act. Congressional leaders and the Administration continue to solicit Dutko Worldwide’s advice on a range of research, strategic and tactical ideas surrounding implementation of the recently passed law.
|
