Q: What is your name, and where are you located?
A: My name is Matthew Hallisey. My home and office are located in Glastonbury, Conn. but most of my work takes place at the state Capitol and state agencies in and around Hartford, Conn.
Q: Tell us a little about your background. Where did you grow up, go to school, etc?
A: I was born in Hartford, Conn. but I grew up in Wethersfield, a suburb of the capital city. I attended and graduated from South Catholic High School in Hartford, Holy Cross College in Worcester, Mass., and the University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce School of Law in Concord, New Hampshire.
Q: What made you realize you wanted to be a lobbyist?
A: When I worked on staff in the state legislature, I was interested in advocacy and combining my legal drafting, counseling, and advocacy skills with the opportunity to shape changes in public policy. Lobbying and government relations in different organizations and then later in my own firm as a contract lobbyist for various clients enabled me to do that.
Q: What was your first lobbying/political job and what was your favorite part of it?
A: I worked in the Legislative Commissioners’ Office as a nonpartisan staff attorney for two legislative committees. While it wasn’t necessarily political nor was it lobbying, it gave me good exposure to the process and a better understanding of how state government operates. It helped me better understand some of the arcane rules, the process, and how a bill becomes a law in Connecticut. It was a great opportunity to work with lawmakers and try to implement their policy initiatives, which reflect the desires of constituents and others, with legislation. It helped position me well for a career in government affairs consulting.
Q: What is something people are always surprised to learn about your role as a lobbyist or what you do in government?
A: Lobbyists help people and organizations who are too busy working or don’t have the time, experience, capacity or resources to navigate what can be a complex, arcane, and challenging process. Lobbying has become a profession of individuals and organizations advocating before policymakers with one voice. A lobbyist can help reduce transaction costs for members of an industry by leveraging their collective experience and voices to generate more influence and power to shape the outcome of policy or legislation.
Q: What’s the most interesting thing you’ve worked on lately?
A: I initiated several proposals in the last few years that established and recognize ceremonial days in Connecticut, including Kidney Disease Awareness Week, U.S.S. Indianapolis CA-35 Day, Constitution Day, and Free Enterprise Day. I learned that there is a constituency or interest group for almost every policy initiative. For instance, a group of relatives of sailors onboard the U.S.S. Indianapolis or survivors of the tragic sinking of the cruiser during World War II became actively engaged in the bill and the process through testimony and consulting. They were so committed to preserving its legacy and the memory of those who perished; several personally participated and I keep in touch with them to this day. In this case, it helped bring attention to a tragic event with connections to Connecticut, including the captain of the ship. While none of the days may appear to be significant, they are very meaningful to various groups of people. It was a very rewarding experience, and I was proud to play a small part in it.
Q: If you were not a lobbyist, what would you be?
A: Starting pitcher for the Boston Red Sox-ha, if only! (I played baseball in high school, but I was never that good.) Perhaps a commercial pilot. It’s always been a dream of mine to become a private pilot that I still want to fulfill. Years ago, I pursued a private pilot license as a student pilot, but the cost of education, raising a family, and other important priorities intervened. I represent an association of private pilots, so I have a professional connection to general aviation and it has given me a renewed interest.
Q: And just for fun, what about your home state do you believe every person should experience at least once? (food, location, experience, etc.)
New Haven pizza. It’s world-famous – and for good reason – it’s delicious! The state park system is also very good: hiking and bike trails, campgrounds, and beaches are not to be missed.