Why It Matters

Waukesha County Technical College has hired Michael Best Strategies LLC to lobby on budget and appropriations issues after the Trump administration temporarily froze federal education funding, including money supporting adult education programs at Wisconsin technical colleges. The college's move comes amid broader federal funding uncertainty for technical education institutions following federal funding cuts and disruptions.

By the Numbers

Michael Best Strategies LLC registered the college as a new client on August 20, 2026. Three lobbyists represent the college: Ryan Losak, a senior policy adviser; Sarah Helton, a partner and practice group chair for government procurement and trade; and Preston Hill, a senior director. No specific legislation was listed in the disclosure.

Losak brings experience from the House Education and the Workforce Committee in the 112th and 113th Congresses, along with prior work for Rep. John Kline (R-MN). Helton previously worked in the office of Rep. F. James Sensenbrenner Jr. (R-WI). Preston Hill has filed 125 lobbying disclosures across his career.

Broader Context

The Trump administration temporarily froze $715 million in previously appropriated nationwide funding for adult education, including roughly $7 million designated for Wisconsin. Wisconsin joined a multistate lawsuit challenging the withholding of a broader package of federal education funding totaling approximately $72 million for the state. The administration subsequently announced that it would release the withheld education funds.

The administration has also canceled more than $48 million in ongoing grant awards for career and technical education programs.

Rep. Adam Smith (D-WA) introduced the Community and Technical College Investment Act and the Career and Technical Education Access Act on September 23, 2025, signaling congressional interest in supporting technical education and expanding access to community and technical colleges.

Waukesha County (Wis.) Technical College's lobbying engagement with Michael Best Strategies LLC focuses on budget and appropriations issues. Ryan Losak previously worked for the House Education and the Workforce Committee during the 112th and 113th Congresses.

The Bottom Line

Waukesha County Technical College's decision to hire federal lobbyists comes amid uncertainty surrounding federal support for adult and technical education. Although the administration ultimately released the $715 million in adult education funding it had temporarily withheld, its other funding actions affecting career and technical education have created additional uncertainty for institutions that depend on federal support.

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