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R. Neal Martin

Senior Director of Government Relations

RNMartin@mlstrategies.com

+1.202.434.7458

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With more than two decades of experience in government and government relations, Neal is Senior Director of Government Relations at ML Strategies. He has represented clients before the U.S. Congress and Executive Branch on a wide range of issues including appropriations, energy and sustainability, tax policy, trade, and transportation.  In support of a client portfolio that has included Fortune 100 companies, start-ups, non-profits and associations, and colleges and universities, Neal works to advance client goals related to federal policy and funding opportunities, and to increase client visibility with decision makers at the congressional and federal agency level.

Prior to joining ML Strategies, Neal served as a legislative assistant to U.S. Senator Max Cleland (D-GA), advising him on numerous issues including appropriations, energy and environment, international relations, natural resources, and trade.

Education

  • University of Georgia (BA)

Case Studies

Case Study Hero Nalcor Mintz Case Study
ML Strategies formed a coalition of hydropower and renewable energy developers to build support for Massachusetts legislation, which was enacted in August 2016, that allows the state’s utilities to enter into long-term contracts with energy suppliers.
Case Study Hero NAHEFFA Mintz Case Study
ML Strategies advocated for the National Association of Health and Educational Facilities Finance Authorities (NAHEFFA) amid the Trump administration’s tax law overhaul. The final bill maintained the private activity bond tax exemption, including for nonprofit hospitals and higher education.
Case study Hero Mass Hospital Association Mintz Case Study
ML Strategies advocated for the interests of the Massachusetts Health & Hospital Association (MHA) and its members before the Massachusetts legislature and health agencies through several rounds of cost containment legislation and bills designed to address the opioid crisis.

Recent Insights

Events

Viewpoints

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Since the Democrats reclaimed control of the House of Representatives in 2018, barrels of ink have been spilled on the topic of “congressionally-directed spending”. Better known as earmarks, this funding mechanism allows Members of Congress to send money directly to projects identified in their districts, largely bypassing the federal bureaucracy and its protracted grant application process. For more than a decade, the Congress has banned the practice of including congressionally-directed funding in spending bills. Now, Democrats in control of both chambers and the White House are poised to bring earmarks back. On March 17th, House Republicans voted to reverse the GOP Conference’s ten year-old ban on congressionally directed spending, paving the way for Members from both parties to make requests in upcoming spending and infrastructure bills.
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Last week, the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions voted 18-4 to advance Boston Mayor Marty Walsh’s nomination for labor secretary. The bipartisan approval signals a non-controversial confirmation vote of the full Senate. When that occurs, Secretary-designate Walsh will take over a department that is front and center in the nascent Biden administration. Executing White House priorities including the federal response to the COVID-19 pandemic, addressing the climate crisis, and reversing certain Trump era actions, will soon be Walsh’s responsibility. His experience in Massachusetts politics gives a sense of how Walsh will approach his new post.
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With Democratic majorities in the U.S. House and U.S. Senate, Congress and President Biden’s new administration are working to quickly advance proposals to provide for economic relief as the nation continues to reel from the now nearly one-year pandemic. One area of emerging bipartisan focus is a long-sought measure to address the nation’s crumbling and outdated infrastructure, which could be paired with a required surface transportation reauthorization bill.
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After what felt like one of the longest election seasons in history, Washington is preparing to welcome the incoming administration of President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris. What does this all mean for energy and sustainability?