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.


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
  • Alexis Howard—Legislative Associate
  • Mackenzi Matthews—Legislative Associate
  • Abigail Smith Judstra—Legislative Associate

Advocacy Communications Library

Nearly 90% of Coronavirus Relief Funds Already Allocated

Nearly 90% of Coronavirus Relief Funds Already Allocated

Governors have demonstrated responsible, thoughtful stewardship of the federal coronavirus funding that they have received so far. CARES Act funds ...
Working Together for Vaccine Distribution

Working Together for Vaccine Distribution

The distribution and implementation of the vaccine is a massive undertaking that cannot be managed without significant logistical coordination, planning ...
NGA Leadership Letter Requesting White House Meeting on Vaccine Distribution

NGA Leadership Letter Requesting White House Meeting on Vaccine Distribution

Dear Mr. President, States have been at the forefront of the fight against COVID-19, working tirelessly to protect and care ...
Joint Letter on Water Resources Development Act Reauthorization

Joint Letter on Water Resources Development Act Reauthorization

"We look forward to working with you to ensure the safety and modernization of our nation’s water infrastructure and water ...
Coalition Letter on the FEMA Assistance Relief Act

Coalition Letter on the FEMA Assistance Relief Act

Given the frequency and severity of disasters this fall, we urge swift passage of the FEMA Assistance Relief Act in ...
Big 7 Letter Advocating 1-Year Extension of FAST Act

Big 7 Letter Advocating 1-Year Extension of FAST Act

We urge Congress to pass a turnkey, one-year extension of the current surface transportation law, Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act, ...
Letter Urging Preparedness for Fall Flu Season

Letter Urging Preparedness for Fall Flu Season

September 15, 2020 The Honorable Roy BluntChair, Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services and EducationU.S. SenateWashington, DC 20510The ...
Letter Regarding the Coronavirus Relief Fund

Letter Regarding the Coronavirus Relief Fund

NGA and other state and local organizations sent a letter to the Department of the Treasury’s Office of the Inspector ...
Letter to FEMA Regarding COVID-19 Reimbursable Expenses

Letter to FEMA Regarding COVID-19 Reimbursable Expenses

August 25, 2020The Honorable Pete GaynorAdministratorFederal Emergency Management Agency500 C Street S.W.Washington, D.C. 20472 Dear Administrator Gaynor:We write to you ...
Letter Urging Congress to Extend Waiver Authorities for the COVID-19 School Nutrition Rules

Letter Urging Congress to Extend Waiver Authorities for the COVID-19 School Nutrition Rules

"As districts and community programs prepare for the upcoming school year, it is becoming increasingly clear that most students will ...
Letter to Congressional Leaders Regarding Education Funding and Local Control

Letter to Congressional Leaders Regarding Education Funding and Local Control

The Honorable Mitch McConnellMajority LeaderUnited States SenateU.S. Capitol Building, Room S-230Washington, DC 20510The Honorable Nancy PelosiSpeaker of the HouseUnited States ...
Organizations' Letter Advocating for Enhanced Federal Medicaid Match

Organizations’ Letter Advocating for Enhanced Federal Medicaid Match

The Honorable Mitch McConnellMajority Leader, United States SenateU.S. Capitol Building, Room S-230Washington, DC 20510The Honorable Chuck SchumerMinority Leader, United States ...