A chief benefit of NCRA membership is knowing that you have a strong advocate in the nation’s capital fighting for the interests of your profession every day.
This month in our “Unlocking Your Benefits” series, we’re taking a closer look at the NCRA Government Relations (GR) department, and we’ll show you how to get involved with this integral arm of the Association.
The department’s primary objective is to protect the court reporting, captioning, and legal videography professions. GR is steadfastly dedicated to this goal and is led by State Government Relations Manager Colin Brehm, a seasoned policy advocate who understands the ins and outs of navigating legislation through the political process.
Whether monitoring legislation, taking meetings in Congress or in various state capitals, or at the local level, GR is always working for you.
“NCRA’s Government Relations Department serves as the frontline in protecting our members’ livelihoods, from securing fair compensation and licensing protections to combating the misuse of artificial intelligence,” said Brehm.
The department is also responsible for spearheading federal lobbying efforts in collaboration with our Washington-based consultants.
Further, GR actively partners with state associations and leaders, offering strategic guidance and resources to enhance advocacy efforts and address legislative and regulatory challenges through grassroots mobilization.
Tools you can use to connect with NCRA Government Relations:
- Action Center: A national and statewide grassroots network led by NCRA intended to deliver effective advocacy on critical issues impacting court reporters, professional captioners, and legal videographers
- Advocacy resources: Resources to promote court reporting, professional captioning, and legal videography as the most reliable methods for ensuring judicial integrity
- Grassroots organizing: More information about our state and local advocacy efforts and the National Congress of State Associations (NCSA)
- Federal lobbying: Through the Association’s contracted lobbyist based in Washington, D.C., NCRA ensures that our community’s needs remain on the radar of policymakers while adapting swiftly to these changes and seizing opportunities to influence lawmakers who shape the laws governing our work.
Additionally, NCRA maintains a Political Action Committee committed to electing and supporting candidates who will champion the Association’s priorities at the federal level.
Join us in Washington!
One of the best ways to get involved with Government Relations is to participate in the annual NCRA Leadership & Legislative Boot Camp in Alexandria, Va., just outside Washington, D.C., coming up March 1-3, 2026.
The three-day event offers members the opportunity to advocate for the first time or to refine their skills. Boot Camp is tailored to equip state leaders, court reporters, captioners, and legal professionals with the skills necessary to participate and engage with their government leaders.
Registration is now open for the 2026 gathering.
“Members are highly encouraged to get involved by attending our annual Leadership & Legislative Boot Camp, which combines advocacy training with member-driven policy discussions or by connecting when local issues arise in collaboration with their state association,” said Brehm.
Want to get involved? For questions, comments, or additional information, please email the Government Relations Department at ncragr@ncra.org.
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