Fazzino: Tech Has Too Many Trade Groups
Gary Fazzino, Hewlett-Packard's top lobbyist, complained this morning that the high-tech industry has made great strides in its Washington presence in recent years but "we still have a lot of challenges." "We're not as politically engaged as we could be… and we have far too many associations and far too many spokespeople" when compared to the pharmaceutical lobby or movie studios, which speak with a unified voice on Capitol Hill.
Fazzino pointed out that tech players, despite their involvement in numerous trade groups, have ralled together to push for policies that support American innovation and competitiveness. That issue is an easy one because it garners "a significant amount of agreement between Democrats and Republicans," he said.
A more complex matter that deserves high-tech's input is the national healthcare debate, Fazzino said. "We have to be sitting at the table," he said, noting that Silicon Valley cannot "hide behind" the fact that it consists of large companies that provide solid health benefits to employees.
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