By C.G. Lynch
A recent study found that Northeastern allocated approximately $120,000 to lobbying firms in Washington, D.C. in 2003 to help secure funds for research projects and its much-touted Academic Investment Plan.
A data survey collected in 2004 by the Chronicle of Higher Education found that Northeastern lagged in spending behind wealthier institutions like Boston University, which spent $800,000.
The lobbying firms to which Northeastern allocates funds campaign to members of Congress in order to sway votes that would benefit the university.
As Northeastern enters its 21st century vision as a competitive university in the field of research – including biotechnology and the still emerging field of nanotechnology – a larger commitment to legislative and bureaucratic activities in D.C. may be needed in the coming years, according to the Office of Government Relations and Community Affairs.
“As a general matter, we are going to continue to pay an increasing amount of attention to it,” said Robert Gittens, vice president for government relations, who declined to estimate a dollar amount for the university’s future commitment to lobbying firms.
“In terms of our relationships,” Gittens said, “we look to have assistance in Washington in legislation [with] matters that will have an impact on Northeastern research-related funding.”
The Chronicle data found Northeastern allocated approximately $80,000 to O’Neill, Athy ‘ Casey PC and $40,000 to Hale and Dorr LLP in 2003. Both firms, among their various businesses, specialize in lobbying lawmakers and other governmental agencies in Washington.
Based strictly on the allocation of monies, Northeastern’s financial commitment to such firms pales in comparison to Boston University, Harvard University and the University of Massachusetts, which all spent at least twice – and, in some cases, three times – as much in lobbying funds.
But congressional experts on campus said allocating exorbitant funds to lobbying firms does not necessarily equate to bringing home greater programs for the university. In addition, they said Northeastern’s relationships with local congressmen and senators has given the university substantial influence with Massachusetts’ leading politicians.
“I think NU historically has had decent relationships with the Massachusetts congressional delegation and has had a lot of informal connections through alumni in D.C.,” said Christopher Bosso, a political science professor. “Spending hard money on a Washington lobbyist only makes sense if you want something very specific that requires a full-time presence in Washington.”
With Northeastern pursuing comprehensive plans for its biotechnology and nanotechnology research programs, its lobbying efforts may need to be increased not just on elected officials, but larger governmental entities as well, including the National Institute of Health and the National Science Foundation, Gittens said.
“We want to develop and grow in those agencies,” Gittens said. “There are certainly grant proposals where the agency is not interested in hearing from an elected official.”
