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* The AP has a story up entitled “Connected marijuana lobbyist to push for program’s future”…
A new group has formed to push for policies in Springfield favorable to the medical marijuana industry with a well-connected former Illinois Department of Agriculture employee as its top lobbyist.
Bresha Brewer stopped being a state worker just ahead of new ethics rules imposed by Gov. Bruce Rauner that would have prevented her from immediately going into lobbying and becoming part of a “revolving door” of former state employees who leave to become lobbyists. Brewer is now executive director of the Medical Cannabis Alliance of Illinois, which launched this week. […]
The alliance represents 39 companies — the bulk of the businesses that hold state permits to grow and sell marijuana in a pilot program that expires after 2017. Extending the program’s end date, or preferably achieving its permanence, will be one of Brewer’s most urgent objectives.
As executive director, she brings fresh insider knowledge, nearly 15 years of state government experience and a long list of connections. Brewer has worked for several state agencies as a legislative liaison, most recently for the agriculture department, which regulates marijuana growers.
Who knew that Bresha was so “connected”?
Plus, conveniently not mentioned anywhere in the AP story is that the Inspector General’s office had to sign off on her new job. It’s not like she just walked out the door and walked over to the pot industry. Also not mentioned is the governor’s edict that all lobbyists must first ask Rauner’s policy office for permission to talk to anybody at a state agency.
I’ve known Bresha for years. She knows just about everybody, but “connected” is not a word I would use to describe her.
And ain’t it a good thing that the marijuana folks chose somebody who knows what the heck they’re doing in Springfield?
This could’ve been a much better story without all the slimy insinuations. And the reporter even missed the fact that the group’s spokesperson is the wife of a Republican state legislator. Oh, such opportunities lost!
…Adding… I forgot that Bresha was a Golden Horseshoe Award winner back in 2012…
It seems like Bresha has been a liaison for just about every agency. She’s easy to work with, has great connections and a good sense of humor.
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 3:32 pm
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Many perceive the medical marijuana program, including the growth permits, as largely being carved up by ==insiders== to begin with.
This may be residue of that general perception.
Good luck at your new job Bresha.
Comment by Formerly Known As... Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 3:41 pm
This is the same AP that reported last week that the Governor had vetoed the legislature’s salary bump, a patently inaccurate characterization of what the AV actually did.
With “reporting” of this quality, it’s no wonder that Illinois residents don’t really understand what’s happening in state government - CapFax readers/commenters execepted, of course!
Comment by cover Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 3:43 pm
That industry is extremely fortunate to have found someone of Bresha’s caliber. She’s keenly intelligent, thoughtful, compassionate, and an all around good person. Lay off, AP!
Comment by phocion Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 3:45 pm
Well, now we know who phocion is.
lol
Just kidding.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 3:52 pm
Isn’t she from Righter’s district??
What a Hat.
Comment by Juvenal Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 3:55 pm
Really don’t like the revolving door rules at all.
Comment by SAP Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 4:00 pm
What a poor excuse for journalism. Bresha was a smart and APPROPRIATE hire. Nobody especially Bresha should have insinuations like that made. YO, Bresha!
Comment by Hoping for Rational Thought Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 4:01 pm
this is not the AP we knew back in the day. silly, fear mongering headline. meanwhile, Oak Park is moving to tax medical marijuana. they know that money will flow once it really gets going.
Comment by Amalia Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 4:18 pm
Brew is a good they get. She was one of 3-4 former Blago/PQ liasions who both sides of the aisle got along with, respected and trusted. Good for her.
Comment by Give Me A Break Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 4:28 pm
Bresha works hard and is bi-partisan with issues. Good for her and I wish her the best.
Comment by Observation Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 4:37 pm
FKA,
I think residue is called resin in this context.
Be kind.
Comment by LizPhairTax Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 5:33 pm
I appreciate the way you step in when someone has been clearly wronged, Rich. Bresha is an outstanding legislative person who has proven herself over and over. She is a great choice and knows the issue and players well. This organization has made a great choice.
Comment by Francesca Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 7:46 pm