Bottom Line

• APPROPRIATIONS. Alabama’s Jefferson County Commission hired Balch & Bingham LLP to monitor appropriations legislation. Michael Davis, former field representative for ex-Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.), and Brian Rell, previously chief of staff to Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-Ala.), will work on the account.

• BANKING. Ghost Management Group, a California-based technology company, hired Nexxus Consulting to work on the Secure and Fair Enforcement Banking Act, which would allow banks and financial institutions to work with cannabis businesses. Ana Ma, former chief of staff to the Small Business Administration and to the Labor Department, will work on the account.

• EDUCATION. Ready Colorado, a political advocacy organization, hired Squire Patton Boggs to work on school choice policy. Brent Owen, a former law clerk to the Colorado Supreme Court, will work on the account.

• DEFENSE. The Ferguson Group LLC, a legislative research, monitoring and advocacy service company, hired Poyner Spruill to work on defense budget and appropriations matters, among others other issues. Former Rep. Douglas McIntyre (D-N.C.) will work on the account.

• TRANSPORTATION. Minnesota’s Dakota County hired Downs Government Affairs to work on funding for transportation improvements. Thomas Downs, former chief of staff and legislative assistant to ex-Rep. George Hochbrueckner (D-N.Y.), will work on the account.