Bottom Line: Publishers push back on proposal automatic textbook billing change

Education

The ​Association of American Publishers hired TheGROUP DC to monitor issues pertaining to Inclusive Access programs, which allow universities to automatically bill students for textbooks and supplies. The Education Department in January proposed colleges could not automatically bill students, but rather students would have to opt into the program, a change opposed by the trade association, according to Inside Higher Education.

The lobbyists on the account are ​Joseph Kwabena ​Nsiah, former policy director of the Black Congressional Caucus, and Jorge ​Aguilar, former press secretary and director of Hispanic media for then-Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.).

Health care

The gay dating app Grindr hired its first lobbying firm, The Daschle Group, to lobby on HIV prevention and LGTBQ family formation issues. Joe ​Hack, former chief of staff to Sen. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), will work on the account.

The ​Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) hired AEGIS to lobby on issues related to pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) reform, drug pricing and implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act, among other general health care issues. Anne Esposito, former health policy coordinator for the House Energy and Commerce Committee, will work on the account.

Media

Axel Springer, the German publishing giant that owns publications including Politico and Business Insider, registered to lobby on a range of issues including a bill “to allow publishers to collectively negotiate with dominant online platforms regarding the terms for distributing news content.” Amelia ​Binder, former chief of staff to Rep. Judy Chu (D-Calif.) who is now Axel Springer’s vice president of U.S. government affairs, will work on the account.

Diamond Sports Group, which filed for Chapter 1 bankruptcy last March, hired Hogan Lovells US to lobby on issues related to carriage agreements of Diamond Sports networks. One of the lobbyists on the account is former Sen. Norm ​Coleman (R-Minn.).

Banking

TD Bank hired Public Strategies Washington to lobby on banking issues. Steve Eichenauer, former legislative assistant and appropriations manager for Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.), will work on the accoun