About Gara & Markowski

Our Lobbying Team

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.  In 2002, Betsy launched Elizabeth Gara & Associates, LLC,  which was recently renamed Gara & Markowski, LLC to reflect the addition of Andrew Markowski as a partner in the firm.  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. Her ability to implement successful legislative strategies, draft legislation and understand complex laws and regulations has allowed us to win passage of key legislation on behalf of our clients. 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 - As a partner in Gara & Markowski, LLC, Andrew performs a wide range of activities to achieve successful results for our clients, including lobbying members of the Connecticut General Assembly; communicating directly with legislators, officials of the executive branch, regulatory agencies, and local officials; drafting legislation and amendments; building and maintaining coalitions to further client interests; and successfully passing and defeating legislation as directed by clients.  Before joining the firm, 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.  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.

Gara & Markowski, LLC has also formed a strategic partnership with Don Klepper-Smith, Chief Economist and Director of Research at DataCore Partners LLC, to provide sophisticated economic analysis and market research to support the development and implementation of the firm's legislative and regulatory strategies.