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Government Affairs (old)

Government Affairs & Public Policy.


About

Our team at Harris Kelsey possesses more than 25 years of experience in all aspects of government relations and public policy management, including drafting and passing some of the most significant pieces of legislation in our state’s history, spearheading stakeholder negotiations, and testifying before every major committee in the Legislature.


Experience

Blaine Finch, president of Harris Kelsey, possesses real-world experience in legislative process, rules and procedures combined with the Statehouse and state agency relationships to help his clients achieve success.

Blaine first began serving in public office when he was 19 years old. At the local level, he served as a city commissioner and was the youngest mayor in Kansas history. At the state level, he served a decade in the Kansas Legislature (2013-2023), including two terms in leadership as Speaker Pro Tem of the Kansas House of Representatives. Prior to that, he served as Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, Chairman of the Rules Committee, and Chairman of the Republican Freshmen Caucus.

Blaine has taken a lead role in drafting such notable legislation as the Kansas Promise Act, the Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Plan and critical amendments to the Hard 50 law. During his tenure, he also drafted and passed significant legislation related to taxes, workforce development, economic development, criminal law, adoption and juvenile justice.

services offered

Registered lobbyist services

Strategy development and message development to influence public policy changes and help our clients achieve their public policy goals

Review, research and interpretation of proposed and enacted legislation

Drafting of legislative proposals and development of public policy solutions to address our clients’ concerns

Preparation and/or presentation of testimony before legislative committees

Advisement on business law, election law, governmental ethics requirements, and political action and 501(c)4 compliance

Bill tracking and reporting

Coordination of lobbying, legal, public relations and media relations efforts to drive successful outcomes for our clients