Background

It was only natural that professional organizations would seek out KWK after its founding in 1992 to represent them at the General Assembly and before the various boards. One look at our client list will show the concentration we have made to professional regulation. In addition, over the years we have worked with landscape architects, cemetery and funeral directors, nurses, occupational therapists, marriage and family therapists, social workers and others on issues before their respective boards. We are responsible for the drafting and promulgation of numerous rules and regulations by these boards. Both partners have very positive relationships with the current administration of the Professional Licensing Agency, and the administration of Governor Mitch Daniels.

To some people “lobbying” is a dirty word. At KWK we prove on a daily basis that representing clients at the Indiana General Assembly and before administrative agencies can be done with honesty and integrity. We pride ourselves in developing relationships with members of both parties, and in “making the case” as to why what our clients are seeking is good public policy.

While members of our team of lobbyists are both Republicans and Democrat, it is not party affiliation that makes us effective. Rather we strive to truly get to know each legislator or policymaker on a personal basis. Over the years we have become an important resource to these decision-makers on a wide variety of issues such as healthcare, professional regulation, telecommunications, agriculture, education, and retailing. They know that when they ask Bill or Kelli a question they will get the whole truth, and the data to back it up.

A combination of experience and public service make our team unique at the Statehouse. The partners at KWK have over sixty years of combined lobbying experience, and have each held key positions in state government. Since 1974 members of KWK have been a part of Indiana state government.

While the Indiana General Assembly is in session only three or four months each year, lobbying activities occur throughout the year. In fact, the most important work often occurs when the Legislature is not in session. Visiting legislators in their hometowns, participating in interim study committees, developing strategies with clients for the next session, and meeting with key administration officials keep us running year round. A common theme found when interviewing our clients is that they strongly believe they get their “money’s worth” when contracting with KWK.

Governmental Affairs

Don’t like a policy of a state agency?  Why not change it.  We will advocate on your behalf to change policies or rules that are impediments to your success.  Since we have all been public servants, we are well positioned to communicate in ways that can bring about positive change.  We have worked with state agencies on a wide variety of issues such as appropriate Medicaid reimbursement for healthcare professionals, environmental, transportation and utility concerns of clients, and regulation of daycare homes/centers.  All of these have occurred in the last few months alone.  So don’t get mad; let us help you to fix it!

Communications

Our clients are sometimes frustrated that public officials are not hearing their concerns.  We help them to break down such barriers by organizing campaigns to most effectively get their point across.  This may include helping them to organize a coalition of other groups with similar concerns, developing comprehensive strategies on how to best meet their objectives, and involving the news media in publicizing their issues.  While we do not hold ourselves out as public relations specialists, we are adept at developing effective strategies to insure that clients have a strong voice with state government.

Procurement

With our extensive knowledge of both the organization of state government and the key personnel that manage it, we offer clients insights into how to do business in Indiana.  We can open doors to the people that you need to know to compete for various types of state business.  We will not only introduce you to these public servants, but will advise you at every step on how to do business in our Hoosier state.

Political Action Committees

You have heard it said, “Money is the mother’s milk of politics”.  Many people resent the fact that money appears to play such a major role in government.  The truth is that legislators are constantly running for reelection, and need large sums of money to conduct such campaigns.  Contributions to campaigns do not guarantee success on issues.  Rather, they generally help elect people who already agree with the views of the contributors.  We advise clients on appropriate contributions, and often help them to organize political action committees.

Professional Regulation

When it comes to professional regulation, KWK partners literally “wrote the book”. Our two principals have unique backgrounds in this area, and have unparalleled experience. Governor Robert D. Orr appointed Bill Keown in 1983 to organize the Health Professions Bureau (now merged with the Professional Licensing Agency). During his five year tenure Bill rewrote the practice acts of the 26 professions licensed by the agency, and restructured the agency into an efficient and nationally acclaimed professional organization. Kelli Waggoner served as the Governor’s liaison to this agency and among other duties was responsible for all appointments to the licensing boards.