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Author: Compass Advocacy

Effective Communication for Policy, Crisis & Reputation Management

Posted on by Compass Advocacy

At Compass Public Relations, we specialize in helping clients achieve their policy objectives, navigate crises, and manage their reputations. With our strategic approach, we craft powerful messages, build strong arguments, and amplify our clients’ stories to decision-makers, stakeholders, and the media.

Our Services:

  • Message Development: We create clear, compelling messages tailored to your goals.
  • Media Relations: We connect clients with the right journalists and secure valuable coverage.
  • Media Training: We prepare clients to confidently handle media interviews and deliver effective messages.
  • Press Releases: We craft attention-grabbing press releases to communicate key information.
  • Op-Ed Draft & Placement: We help clients share their perspectives in prominent media outlets.

Whether advocating for policy, managing a crisis, or building a reputation, Compass Public Relations ensures your message resonates across all channels, delivering the results you need. Reach out today to learn how we can help you communicate effectively.

2025 Bills Impacting Maryland’s Small Businesses

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Governor Wes Moore recently testified within the House Appropriations and Ways and Means Committee in support of the Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act of 2025. The Moore-Miller Administration claims this bill will grow Maryland’s economy, reform the tax code, as well as work to address the state’s fiscal struggles.

To what extent will this bill impact local businesses, and what are some additional bills that may support or hinder these local businesses? In his testimony, Moore states that this budget proposal cuts taxes for two-thirds of Marylanders and ensures that 82% of Marylanders either see a tax cut or no change. This appeal speculates on behalf of Marylanders’ small business as well.

Here are some additional bills introduced in the 2025 legislative session that are associated with small business growth, and specifically in areas such as cybersecurity, employee benefits, and procurement.

SB0760– The Better Small Business Employee Benefit Act of 2025

  • A bill that works to exempt certain requirements relating to health benefit plans for small employers.

HB1321- Income Tax-Credit for Cybersecurity Measures Undertaken by Small Businesses

  • A bill that would provide an income tax credit for various cybersecurity measures taken by small businesses.

SB0302– Maryland Small Business Innovation Research and Technology Transfer Incentive-Altercations

  • A bill that would provide incentives for small businesses through the Maryland Small Business Innovation, Research and Technology Transfer program.
Need help navigating the Maryland General Assembly? Our government relations and law team are here to help!
Posted in Law

President’s Day Reflections

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On President’s Day, the U.S. recognizes and celebrates the Presidents that have shaped American history and the integrity of our nation. President’s Day allows us to reflect on the nuance of strategic leadership, and its many modes of implementation across federal, state and local governments.

Preserving U.S. democracy, however, requires legislators and political officials to remain in tune to public opinion. On a foundational level, public opinion can be measured through citizen satisfaction, or a lack thereof. When we begin to better understand disparities in favorability across governance, we can understand the changing dynamics of partisan politics and the affiliated policies.

A recent Pew Research Center study finds that after the 2024 election:

  • 69% of registered voters said the elections in their community were administered efficiently
  • 43% said the same about elections across the United States
    • 61% of U.S. adults had a favorable view of their government
    • 22% felt positively about the federal government.
These metrics have increased modestly from 2018:
  • 63% of voters said elections in their community were administered well
  • 21% felt the same about federal elections

By and large these statistics represent Americans connection to community, and policies that function on a micro scale, or resonate on a personal level. Education, healthcare, and crime are chief among these concerns.

At Compass Government Relations, we are committed to personalized advocacy whether that entails building meaningful relationships with legislators, tailoring your business needs for success, or fighting for urgent legislative change. If you need access to legislators or policymakers, at the local, state, or federal levels – we can get started today!

Understanding the Importance of State Advocacy Amid Federal Changes 

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In January 2025, President Trump and his administration returned to the White House, with an urgent agenda to impose numerous executive orders on topics that regularly surfaced during the campaign trail. At the forefront of these policies are federal spending cuts, reductions in certain healthcare initiatives, redefining birth-right citizenship, the termination of DEI workforce programs, among more.

These new changes at the federal level have sparked concerns for various policy areas across state legislatures, and especially with Maryland. For Maryland to deliver on managing the budget deficit, reforming transformation networks, and mitigating climate casualties, the state will need to engage in advocacy efforts that can adapt to federal change.

State versus Federal Advocacy Differences: 

Understanding some general differences in state versus federal advocacy strategy is critical for recognizing the opportunities in each legislative body, and the levels of agency available in each chamber of government. In the state legislature, representatives operate within a compressed timeframe with fewer resources at their disposal in comparison to Congress. Thus, lobbyists and grassroot organizers must be proactive with their time by readily scheduling meetings with state officials, especially since state legislators are more accessible than Congressional members.

Moreover, state advocates explore policy issues across numerous counties and municipalities, while Congress functions on a larger scale by providing oversight to states, while also introducing legislation that is geared toward federal agencies or institutions. Therefore, state and federal advocates may employ alternative research methods, or public relations campaigns, to accommodate a specific audience, such as a constituency, a client, or to support demographic differences.

Moving Forward with Purpose: 

At Compass, we serve our clients at the state and federal level by taking a nuanced approach to government advocacy. We tailor our public relations outreach to contain personalized communication to meet client needs on an individual basis. Most importantly, Compass’ advocacy strategy is rooted in preparation and trust.

Finally, Compass Public Relations Partners is committed to staying in-tune with public opinion across all levels of government and remains invested in the strategic communications needed to yield tangible results for our clients during Maryland’s legislative session. While federal change may invoke uncertainty, there are political organizers at the state level, such as Compass, who bring consecutive years of experience in an ever-changing political landscape.

 

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3 Reasons Your Organization Definitely Needs a Business Lawyer

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Starting a business is like walking a tightrope while juggling flaming swords—everything can go wrong, especially when legal stuff comes into play. Your business plan can’t do it all, but our savvy business lawyer can. Here’s how Compass Law can help you dodge legal disasters:

1. Contracts
Contracts are your business’s safety net. A lawyer makes sure they’re airtight and protect your interests. We can draft, review, and even negotiate contracts to keep your clients, vendors, and employees in check, including:

  • Client contracts
  • Vendor contracts
  • Employment contracts
  • Leases
  • Mergers & acquisitions

2. Employment Law
Hiring isn’t as simple as posting a job on Craigslist. Employment laws are complex, but Compass Law can keep you compliant. We can help with wage laws, employee handbooks, and fair hiring practices.

3. Business Formation
Choosing the right business structure is like picking your superhero alter ego. Whether it’s an LLC, corporation, or partnership, a lawyer helps you choose what suits your needs (and protects your personal assets).

Even if you’re a small startup, working with a business lawyer is an investment that’ll save you headaches. Call us at (240) 560-3030, and let’s get you on the path to success without any legal nightmares.

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Posted in Law

Maryland 2025 Session Preview

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As Maryland prepares for its 2025 legislative session, there’s much to anticipate: the budget as the main issue at hand, vacant seats in the legislature, and potential impacts of the Trump administration in Maryland. We’ll also provide updates on neighboring states, Delaware and Pennsylvania, with insights from Alex.

Be sure to check out the session calendar and mark your calendars for our Maryland Day Party!

“The General Assembly will have to tackle a significant budget shortfall which amounts to $1 billion in the current fiscal year, $2.7 billion in the next fiscal year, and will continue to grow from there. With the Moore Administration resistant to tax increases, we can expect some difficult budget decisions to be made with respect to spending cuts and legislature-led tax measures. Many things are on the table including a sales tax on services and corporate tax reform.” – Tyler Bennett

 

“The election of State Senator Sarah Elfreth to the US House of Representatives, leaves an open seat in the State Senate. Both Delegate Dana Jones and Delegate Shaneka Henson have indicated their interest in moving to the Senate. The Anne Arundel Democratic Central Committee will decide in the next several weeks which delegate will get the Senate seat. This also means that a seat will open up in the Maryland House of Delegates when one of the two candidates gets the nod. Stay tuned to Compass for developments and changes in the Maryland legislature.” – Hannah Garagiola

 

“There is currently uncertainty surrounding several key issues that could impact Maryland’s future. Presently, there is uncertainty about whether the federal government will fully fund the Key Bridge project. Additionally, the fate of federal renewable energy funding for states remains uncertain. Another question is whether the FBI Headquarters will still relocate to Maryland as previously planned. There are concerns about potential reductions to the federal workforce, which will have trickle down fiscal impacts to Maryland’s state budget.” – Rob Garagiola

 

DE & PA 2025 Items to Watch – Alex Shull McKitrick

  • Inauguration Day – January 21st, 2025 Matt Meyer will be sworn in as Delaware’s 75th Governor
  • Delaware Renewable Energy is likely to be a hot topic. Items like energy storage, the state’s RPS goals, and solar siting are all be discussed by leadership
  • Criminal Justice and Health Care costs are also likely to be front of mind for the Delaware legislature
  • The Pennsylvania Legislature remains split down party lines for 2025 making it challenging to pass legislation.
  • Pennsylvania Mass transit funding
  • Pennsylvania Cannabis Legalization
  • Pennsylvania Games of Skill Regulation and Taxation
Save the Date:
March 25th
Compass 4th Annual Maryland Day Reception

 

Empower Your Organization’s Advocacy with Action Alerts

Posted on by Compass Advocacy

As the new legislative session approaches, now is the perfect time to equip your organization with powerful tools to enhance its advocacy efforts. One of the most effective ways to drive change and make your voice heard is through Action Alerts.

Action Alerts are a crucial part of any advocacy strategy, enabling organizations to reach out directly to their supporters with personalized emails and texts. This direct line of communication creates an efficient and impactful way to rally your network around specific legislative concerns, whether you’re pushing for or against a bill, urging lawmakers to consider a policy change, or rallying support for your cause.

Our tailored campaigns make sure your messaging resonates with your audience, ensuring their engagement with the issues that matter most. By crafting customized alerts that highlight the urgency of the issue and the specific actions needed, Compass Public Relations ensures your members know exactly how they can take action.

At Compass Public Relations, we understand that effective advocacy requires more than just sending out a message — it’s about mobilizing your members and ensuring they feel empowered to take action. Our approach is designed to engage your network in a meaningful way, ensuring that each recipient understands not only the importance of the issue but also how their participation can directly impact the outcome.

Take Action Now for the Upcoming Legislative Session
Don’t wait for the issues to become critical — act now to ensure your organization is prepared to make the most of the upcoming session. With personalized, targeted campaigns that engage your supporters, we’ll help you elevate your influence on policy and public opinion.

Contact us today to get started!

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Polling Campaigns: Understanding Public Opinion for Informed Policy Decisions

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Today, understanding public opinion is more critical than ever. At Compass Public Relations Partners, we specialize in this vital area by designing comprehensive questionnaires, collecting data, and providing insightful analyses of the results.

The Importance of Polling
Polling plays a crucial role in capturing the pulse of the public on specific topics and issues. Our team employs a variety of methodologies, including phone call surveys, text surveys, mail-in questionnaires, and online polls. This diverse range of information-collection methods allows us to gather data from a wide cross-section of the population, ensuring that our insights reflect the views of different demographic groups.

Analyzing the Data
Once the data is collected, our team conducts a thorough analysis to extract valuable insights. We don’t just present the numbers; we interpret the findings and identify action items.

Strategic Advocacy
Understanding public sentiment helps shape advocacy strategies and ensures that initiatives align with the priorities of the community. By leveraging our polling services, organizations can formulate effective strategies that enhance their engagement with stakeholders and drive positive change.
At Compass Public Relations, we believe that understanding public opinion is essential for successful policymaking and advocacy. If you’re looking to gain insights into public opinion, we’re here to help you navigate the landscape.

 

Read More Here!

Elections in the Mid-Atlantic

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As new elections bring fresh faces and changing priorities to the legislative landscape, maintaining and creating relationships with legislators becomes even more critical for our clients. Newly elected officials may have different perspectives and agendas, making it essential to establish rapport and educate them about your organization’s mission and needs. Fostering connections with legislators early in their terms leads to more impactful partnerships and a better understanding of how to align objectives with emerging legislative priorities.

Delaware Primary Election Results:
September 10, 2024

Governor
  • New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer won the Primary
  • House Minority Leader and long-time member of the state House of Representatives, Mike Ramone won a three-way race on the Republican side for their party’s nomination for Governor.
  • The current Governor, John Carney won his primary race to be the next Mayor of the City of Wilmington.
Lt. Governor
  • In Delaware, the Lt. Governor is elected separately from the Governor. State Sen. Kyle Evans Gay won the primary.
In the State House:

District 15 – In a huge upset, Speaker of the House Valerie Longhurst fell to political newcomer Kamala Jones.

District 14 – Claire Snyder-Hall won the contested primary to replace retiring Representative and former Speaker of the House, Pete Schwartzkoph.

District 10 – Melanie Ross Levin will replace Representative Sean Matthews in House District 10.

Pennsylvania SPECIAL ELECTION RESULTS

September 17, 2024

Two Democratic Representatives resigned this summer for jobs in the private sector, opening two seats in the House.

Philadelphia Area Districts:

201st District – Andre Carroll
195th District – Keith Harris

“Despite the lack of competition, the wins are significant: For the fifth time this session, Democrats have held on to their one-vote majority in the state House. This gives them control of the lower chamber’s agenda for the final weeks of session.” Read more at: https://www.centredaily.com/news/state/pennsylvania/article292678579.html

MARYLAND
“The 2024 Maryland Senate race is set to be a closely watched contest between former governor Larry Hogan and Angela Alsobrooks. Larry Hogan, a popular Republican known for his moderate stance, will face off against Angela Alsobrooks, a Democrat and the current Prince George’s County Executive. The race is expected to be much more competitive than the typical Maryland statewide race, with both candidates having strong support bases and experience in Maryland politics.”

Navigating New Legislative Landscapes: How Compass PR Can Help You Connect with Incoming Legislators

Posted on by Compass Advocacy

As Delaware and Pennsylvania prepare to welcome new legislators into their state houses, now is the perfect time for organizations, businesses, and advocacy groups to strategize on building meaningful relationships with these fresh faces. Here’s how our PR team can help you make a strong impression and establish valuable connections:

  1. Tailored Letters to Elected Officials

One of the most direct ways to reach out to new legislators is through tailored letters. Compass’s PR professionals can craft well-considered, personalized letters clearly communicating your stance on issues that matter most. By addressing the specific interests and priorities of incoming legislators, you can effectively highlight how your organization’s goals align with their legislative agendas.

  1. Mobilizing Community Support

Building a network of support can significantly enhance your outreach efforts. Compass can organize targeted campaigns to engage your community and demonstrate to new legislators that there is substantial backing for your cause. By mobilizing constituents and showcasing widespread support, you can make a compelling case for why legislators should take notice.

  1. Strategic Communication and Engagement

Maintaining effective communication with new legislators is key to establishing a strong relationship. Compass can help manage your ongoing interactions, ensuring that your messages are consistently relevant and impactful. We can also adapt strategies as the political landscape evolves, keeping your organization’s voice heard amidst changing priorities.

With new legislators joining the state houses in Delaware and Pennsylvania, now is the time to strategically engage and build relationships. By leveraging Compass’s PR expertise, you can effectively position your organization and foster strong, productive relationships with the new legislative leadership. By taking these steps, you’ll be well-prepared to navigate the changes and make a lasting impact in a changing political landscape.

 

 

https://mailchi.mp/compassadvocacy/compass-pr-navigator-september-2024-9920692

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