Formal and informal, extensive. Communication strategies have varied over the years in response to needs. The Iowa DOT director and staff communicate and work with legislators throughout the year through committees, meetings, phone calls and upon request. The director of transportation and the Iowa DOT management team give briefings to the General Assembly during session. The Iowa DOT employs a full-time, dedicated legislative liaison who is the main Iowa DOT contact for the General Assembly; maintains a high level of communication in person, by phone and by e-mail; attends the General Assembly daily during session; responds to legislative requests and inquiries; acts as the Iowa DOT lobbyist; and brings proposed legislation as well as areas of concern to the attention of legislators and legislative staff. The liaison is within the Iowa DOT Office of Policy and Legislative Services, which works with legislators, government officials, staff, agencies and interest groups regarding state and federal legislative and rulemaking processes. The Iowa DOT has traditionally held fall legislative workshops throughout the state, but not in recent years due to tight budgets. The Iowa DOT also holds a legislative reception at the capitol at the beginning of each session. In Iowa, state agencies may pre-file legislative proposals that are introduced as "study bills" early in session for committee consideration; the Iowa DOT regularly sponsors such bills addressing both policy and technical matters. The Iowa DOT also works with other entities to move forward legislative initiatives of common interest.