Bottom Line

• APPROPRIATIONS. The University of Central Florida has hired Alcalde & Fay to lobby on “federal funding for a tri-county initiative to provide planning, startup and implementation for a regional food product supplier known as Farm to Flag,” according to lobbying disclosure records. James Davenport, once a legislative aide to former Rep. Gerald Solomon (R-N.Y.), is lobbying for the school. 

• ENERGY. Heather Podesta +Partners has been hired by Marathon Petroleum Corp. to lobby on “taxation of the petroleum industry; regulation of fuels and carbon; transportation and infrastructure; safety; security; and health and product stewardship,” according to lobbying disclosure records. Benjamin Klein, former legislative director for ex-Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.), and Heather Podesta, once counsel to former Rep. Earl Pomeroy (D-N.D.), are lobbying for the company. 

{mosads}• FINANCIAL SERVICES. The National Association of Convenience Stores has hired the Nickles Group to lobby on “Credit card swipe fees [and Food and Drug Administration] menu labeling requirements,” according to lobbying disclosure records. Former Sen. Don Nickles (R-Okla.) and Jeff Choudhry, ex-legislative director for Rep. Trent Franks (R-Ariz.), are lobbying for the trade association. 

• HEALTHCARE. Van Heuvelen Strategies has been hired by Healthcare Navigator, a White Plains, N.Y.-based nursing home operator, to lobby on “issues regarding Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement of skilled nursing facilities” as well as “Implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act,” according to lobbying disclosure records. Robert Van Heuvelen, who served as chief of staff to Sen. Kent Conrad (D-N.D.), is lobbying for the company. 

• MINING. Patton Boggs has been hired by Pattison Sand, an industrial sand company based in Clayton, Iowa, to lobby on “issues related to proposed and current [Mine Safety and Health Administration] regulations,” according to lobbying disclosure records. Gregory Louer, former policy director for Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), is lobbying for the company. 

• TAX. Wal-Mart has hired Cove Strategies to lobby on the “Internet Sales Tax,” according to lobbying disclosure records. Matthew Schlapp, former chief of staff to ex-Rep. Todd Tiahrt (R-Kan.), and Frank Sadler, once deputy office manager for former Sen. George Allen (R-Va.), are lobbying for the retailer.