Our Lobbying Team

Elizabeth Gara & Associates, LLC combines more than two decades of experience in legislative and regulatory affairs with expertise in economic analysis, market research and public relations. This range of expertise allows us to put together winning strategies tailored to the needs of your business or organization.

Our staff will also take the time to meet with your employees and members to ensure that we have an in-depth understanding of your industry's needs and concerns. Our knowledge of the process and commitment to understanding your issues will prove invaluable to your industry.

Elizabeth (Betsy) Gara - As one of the lead attorneys for the Connecticut Business & Industry Association (CBIA), Betsy worked with businesses of all sizes and types on a wide variety of issues affecting industry, including labor & employment law, education & training, tax policy, business law & liability and transportation. She spearheaded dozens of coalitions to effectively lobby for passage or defeat of numerous bills and regulations. Betsy is often considered the go-to person at the state Capitol when a complicated issue arises because she has the analytical skills to assess the impact of proposed legislation and the political acumen to deftly address the issue. Prior to CBIA, Betsy worked for the Connecticut Insurance Department in a variety of regulatory positions and for the Connecticut General Assembly as a clerk and legislative aide.

Andrew E. Markowski - Andrew Markowski is an attorney with unparalleled analytical and communications skills. Before joining Gara & Associates, Andy was a public affairs specialist, conducting policy-level briefings and site visits on Boston's Big Dig project on behalf of the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority. He also clerked for the Connecticut law firm of Nair & Levin, PC, assisting in all aspects of commercial law, real estate, zoning and personal injury law. His background in law and public affairs is a winning combination that has allows him to be a key player in advancing the legislative goals of our clients. Andy thoroughly researches issues of interest to our clients. His ability to quickly analyze and draft proposed legislation allows us to react quickly and successfully negotiate bills to benefit our clients. This gives us a considerable edge at the Capitol when timing can be everything. Andy's energy, drive and attention to detail have helped guarantee that we will succeed in exceeding our clients' expectations.

David Metzger - David Metzger is an attorney and recognized expert in labor and employment law. Prior to opening his own law office in 1997, David practiced at Jackson Lewis Schnitzler and Krupman, a national labor and employment defense firm, and at Siegel, O'Connor, Schiff & Zangari, PC, a Connecticut firm specializing in labor and employment defense, where he was a partner. Because he is well-respected by lawmakers and public officials for his ability to develop reasonable solutions to difficult problems, David has been called upon to serve on numerous legislative and regulatory task forces and commissions. He has also been asked by trade associations and business groups to testify at the state Capitol on various business-related issues. David brings an enormous amount of talent to the table in representing our clients.

Jay Berardino - Jay Berardino has lobbied at the local, state and federal levels on issues affecting real estate, taxes and land use planning. His practical knowledge of zoning regulations, ordinances and local government has been extraordinarily helpful in developing strategies on issues involving municipalities. Jay's love of politics is evident in the number of campaigns and elections he has worked on over the years. From congressional campaigns to mayoral elections, Jay has crafted political strategies to get the message across to voters. He has put together winning television, radio and print ad campaigns on a variety of issues.

Elizabeth Gara & Associates, LLC has also formed a strategic partnership with Don Klepper-Smith, chief economist and director of research at Scillia Dowling & Natarelli Advisors, to provide sophisticated economic analysis and market research to support the development and implementation of the firm's legislative and regulatory strategies.