A key objective of the State Government Affairs Council (SGAC) is to champion professional and ethical standards in government relations. SGAC as an organization does not take positions on matters of public policy, but through its members seeks to enhance policy-makers' knowledge of various business perspectives. The State Government Affairs Council believes that effective government depends on the greatest possible participation of those being governed.
We believe government affairs professionals should uphold the highest standards of ethical behavior. In that regard, SGAC expects its members to adhere to the following guidelines:
Members will comply with both the letter and the spirit of all applicable laws regarding lobbying, campaign finance, political activities and business-government relations.
Members will represent the interests of their employer or client in an honest, open fashion, avoiding the intentional dissemination of false or misleading information to clients or employers, public officials, the media or professional colleagues.
Members will treat all involved in the governmental process with full respect and dignity.
Members will avoid conflicts of interest and where conflict is unavoidable, will communicate the facts fully and freely to those affected.
Members will strive to increase public understanding of the role of advocacy in a representation democracy through individual and collective educational efforts.
Members will continue to pursue professional development through formal education, meetings and seminars, and any other means available to acquire enough knowledge to fairly present a balanced point of view.
Members will respect and abide by the applicable rules, regulations and practices of national and regional organizations of state government officials.
