Why it Matters
Easter Seals Serving DC/MD/VA Inc. shut down its in-house federal lobbying operation, effective June 30. The organization had operated a lean lobbying shop, with a single registered lobbyist handling all federal advocacy work. The sole registered lobbyist was Dennis Alexander, who held the title of director, government relations, and advocacy.
Broader Context
Easter Seals' final push came as major federal benefit programs faced unprecedented pressure. In the 2025 second quarter filing, the organization reported lobbying to oppose proposed cuts to Medicaid funding and Head Start program funding.
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act was signed into law by Trump on July 4, 2025, and the law enacted sweeping cuts to Medicaid. According to the Center for American Progress, the Medicaid cuts represented "the largest-ever cuts to basic needs programs in U.S. history."
In its 2025 third quarter filing, Easter Seals reported lobbying in support of H.R. 2283, the RECOVER Act, which would establish a three-year pilot program to distribute grants of up to $1.5 million to nonprofit outpatient mental health facilities serving veterans. However, the bill has not passed either chamber of Congress.
The Bottom Line
Easter Seals' decision to shutter its in-house lobbying operation comes after the major legislative battles it was fighting have largely concluded, at least in the near term. The Medicaid cuts it opposed became law; leaked Department of Health and Human Services documents revealed plans to cut Head Start funding entirely in FY2026 budget proposals (funding which the organization fought to preserve); and the veteran mental health bill it supported remains stalled.
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