[TriLUG] mostly OT: Tech Lobbyist

[Tim Jowers via TriLUG]

Is there any Lobbyist representing tech?  E.g. by now there is zero
technical reason all government systems have not moved to Linux. Certainly,
by now, the majority of the State of NC systems and computers should run
Linux. Linux has been very stable for over a decade both from a desktop and
from a server perspective. Even the vast majority of mobile phones run
Linux or a sister OS (I understand iOS is basically freebsd reworked,
correct me if wrong).

My understanding from speaking with one lobbyist is the legal process works
like this: someone proposes a bill. The committee has no clue often. They
ask verbally [does anyone have input or objection]. If no lobbyist is
present to educate, then the bill gets approved to vote. Something like
that.

Clearly, we need representation. Would you pay $100/year to fund your own
Tech Lobbyist?  Would your company pay $1,000 or more? I'm sure many would.
The Internet "Geographic Monopoly" is one obvious example of lobbying and
lack of a Tech Lobbyist.

In some states, having a PMP certification is required for performing State
contracts. I know the PE licensing board has failed to address Software
Engineering. Perhaps we also need a licensing board.

Thoughts?
Tim Jowers