Government Affairs Consultant
JOHN IVERSON
iversonmontana@gmail.com
406.459.3344
Montana’s two-year political cycle has a couple different seasons. The compact legislative session occurs every odd-numbered year from January to April. In the lead-up to each session, I’m busy educating legislators and regulators, working on committees, and talking with tavern owners about issues important to you. The work I do on your behalf during this off-season lays the groundwork that is critical to having a successful legislative session—a session that can move fast and furious once underway.
My work for the MTA keeps me on the road many times, visiting cities across our great state to meet with dozens of legislators and legislative candidates. I’m reaching out to these folks to talk about the critical and complex issues facing tavern owners. In addition, I also meet with legislators whenever they’re in Helena, which lessens my travel time.
That being said, I am always happy to take a trip to your neighborhood and meet with you and your local area legislators or legislative candidates. If this interests you, please contact me and we’ll get it scheduled. Remember, it’s important that the people running to be representatives understand the issues that impact your business and family. If we don’t tell them, who will?
When the legislature is not in session, interim committees meet in the Capital. The Economic Affairs Interim Committee is charged with the oversight of alcohol. I spend a fair amount of time before this committee working with other affiliated industry leaders to come up with solutions that benefit everyone, especially the liquor licensees.
When not visiting with legislators or working on interim committees, I often meet with regulators to discuss issues important to tavern owners. I have had multiple contacts with the Montana Department of Justice and Department of Revenue to work on issues that are directly impacting our fellow business owners. I work with other agencies including the Gaming Advisory Council and I attended the Alcohol Industry Coalition meetings also.
The off-season is a great time to update your contact information with the MTA. When legislation affecting your business is proposed during our intense legislative session, I’ll need to contact members immediately. Hearing from you ASAP can make or break a bill. This is the power of your MTA.
As you all know, there’s never a dull moment when you’re in the hospitality industry. I enjoy the work I do representing your interests in Helena and around the state. If you would like to plan a meet-and-greet with legislators and/or candidates, or if you have any questions, I am always here to help.
