NGA Government Relations
The Office of Government Relations works to ensure that Governors’ views are represented in shaping federal policy by maintaining regular contact with congressional leaders and key administration officials, keeping up-to-date information on critical state–federal issues and coordinating state action.
We work closely with Governors’ Washington, D.C., office representatives, state-federal contacts and other state and local government organizations to maximize the effectiveness of NGA’s lobbying activities. Specifically, our staff serve as policy experts and liaisons to Congress and executive branch agencies and coordinate the work and policy activities of NGA committees.
Governors believe federal action should be limited to the powers expressly conveyed by the Constitution, to preserve state sovereignty in legislative and regulatory matters the Executive Committee has added the following bipartisan priorities:
- Enhancing emergency management;
- Streamlining permitting processes;
- Supporting flexibility and waiver opportunities and funding for state and territorial designed Medicaid, SNAP, and TANF;
- Ensuring the federal government meets its already committed obligations for federally funded projects across states, territories and Commonwealths.
Additional federal priorities have been developed by each of NGA’s Governor-led Task Forces and can be found on the Task Force pages below. The complete list of 2025 federal priorities can be found here.
NGA Task Forces & Council of Governors
Staff
- Tiffany Waddell—Director of Government Relations
- Renee Antoine—Legislative Director
- Tim Carlton—Legislative Director
- Richard Lukas—Legislative Director
- Courtney Brinley—Legislative Associate
- Abigail Smith Judstra—Legislative Associate
- Mackenzi Matthews—Legislative Associate
Advocacy Communications Library
Governors Ready to Deploy $5 Billion for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure
Governors Ready to Deploy Infrastructure Funds on Behalf of States and Territories
State and Local Government Groups Call on Congress to Provide Greater Flexibility with Relief Aid
7 Organizations Representing State and Local Governments Commend House Infrastructure Vote
Governors Applaud House Infrastructure Vote
Governors Welcome Easing of Border Travel Restrictions
National Governors Association Asks Congress to Swiftly Pass Funding Package
Governors Commend Extension of 100 Percent Federal Cost Share for National Guard Title-32 COVID-19 Mission and FEMA Public Assistance
Governors Applaud Senate Infrastructure Vote, Urge Swift Action in House
Congress Encouraged to Provide Flexible Federal Funding for Infrastructure
National Governors Association Thanks Congress for Reimbursing Capitol Mission
