Founded in 1980 to address the need for quality representation at the Colorado State Capitol, Colorado Legislative Services is a well-established and trusted lobbying organization. We maintain productive, long-term relationships with many of our clients and still represent the first client who hired our firm.
Our experienced lobbyists work as a team. We continuously consult with each other and our clients to strategize activities such as reviewing introduced bills; developing the content of position papers; planning contact with legislators, staff and leadership; monitoring committee hearings and counting votes. The CLS team prides itself on a strong record of success amidst a fluid political climate.
LEGISLATIVE PHILOSOPHY
In government, building strong relationships is crucial. While some lobbyists work only with one party or one leadership, Colorado Legislative Services feels it is imperative to work both sides of the aisle and accordingly strive to foster long-term legislator relationships. Further, we feel coalition building with like-minded organizations, businesses and other lobbyists allows us broad-reaching political influence. The cultivation of relationships with legislators, staff, associations, agencies and the executive branch is key to serving our clients' legislative needs. Thus, this is a practice that not only we engage in, but one which we encourage of our clients as well.
OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS
The CLS lobbying team has upheld a standard of integrity since its inception that has earned us a reputation of excellence. Our distinguished track record makes us a leader in government relations. CLS can offer unique features that set us apart from other lobbyists and lobby firms.
We offer more capability. Our office is conveniently located across the street from the Colorado State Capitol. We have three lobbyists, an office manager, technical writing/research capability, networked computers with Wi-Fi and color copying and scanning. Our experienced staff allows us the luxury of responding to amendments, changing position papers and addressing the needs of our clients in minutes, instead of hours. The CLS office suite has a private conference room to accommodate meetings and strategy sessions with clients and legislators, as well as a private kitchen for use during fundraisers and other special events. Additionally, right outside our office door is a picturesque courtyard where we can hold events and fundraisers, accommodating up to 75 people. This provides a convenient location to which legislators can walk across the street to attend a function.
We work the entire legislature. We target activities to members of the entire General Assembly. Issues rarely are decided on a strict party-line vote. We spend time developing relationships that cross party boundaries and present issues in the way individual legislators can "hear" it.
We use position papers extensively. Individuals or associations sometimes hand out fact sheets or "write ups" on particular issues at the state capitol. We have a reputation for doing position papers that explain succinctly the bill, its background and need, and whether we are supporting, opposing or amending it. The act of drafting a position paper imposes a discipline on us as we seek to distill information and "get our head around an issue." The final document facilitates communication between members of the legislature and our client.
We can take the heat. Many lobbyists fold when an issue becomes nasty or the subject matter is unpleasant. We stand in there and fight. We thrive on pressure and deliver a good result for our clients, often under difficult conditions.
We are good strategists and problem-solvers. We help each other find solutions to problems we encounter each day at the capitol. We have the ability to craft unique solutions, find alternative ways to achieve success, structure coalitions that allow the resources of other interest groups to be utilized and otherwise help our clients achieve their goals.
We act as "ombudsmen" for our clients. Most business or public entities have public constituencies. Legislators hear about their constituents' negative experiences quickly. We in turn hear from legislators who are upset because a constituent is upset. We are able to calm the water and help solve constituent problems.
We know the state budget. The process of the budget can seem daunting. Knowledge of when and how line items are funded is key to success. Departments have briefings and hearings, so communication with staff and the Joint Budget Committee members at the right time is critical to getting the desired outcome. We monitor the Joint Budget Committee and get our client issues on the table at the right time with the right information.
SERVICES
State and Local Government Lobbying/Monitoring
Election and Campaign Management
Political Action Committee (PAC) Management
Public Policy and Legislative Strategy
State Agency Regulatory Monitoring and Regulatory Development
Our experienced lobbyists work as a team. We continuously consult with each other and our clients to strategize activities such as reviewing introduced bills; developing the content of position papers; planning contact with legislators, staff and leadership; monitoring committee hearings and counting votes. The CLS team prides itself on a strong record of success amidst a fluid political climate.
LEGISLATIVE PHILOSOPHY
In government, building strong relationships is crucial. While some lobbyists work only with one party or one leadership, Colorado Legislative Services feels it is imperative to work both sides of the aisle and accordingly strive to foster long-term legislator relationships. Further, we feel coalition building with like-minded organizations, businesses and other lobbyists allows us broad-reaching political influence. The cultivation of relationships with legislators, staff, associations, agencies and the executive branch is key to serving our clients' legislative needs. Thus, this is a practice that not only we engage in, but one which we encourage of our clients as well.
OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS
The CLS lobbying team has upheld a standard of integrity since its inception that has earned us a reputation of excellence. Our distinguished track record makes us a leader in government relations. CLS can offer unique features that set us apart from other lobbyists and lobby firms.
We offer more capability. Our office is conveniently located across the street from the Colorado State Capitol. We have three lobbyists, an office manager, technical writing/research capability, networked computers with Wi-Fi and color copying and scanning. Our experienced staff allows us the luxury of responding to amendments, changing position papers and addressing the needs of our clients in minutes, instead of hours. The CLS office suite has a private conference room to accommodate meetings and strategy sessions with clients and legislators, as well as a private kitchen for use during fundraisers and other special events. Additionally, right outside our office door is a picturesque courtyard where we can hold events and fundraisers, accommodating up to 75 people. This provides a convenient location to which legislators can walk across the street to attend a function.
We work the entire legislature. We target activities to members of the entire General Assembly. Issues rarely are decided on a strict party-line vote. We spend time developing relationships that cross party boundaries and present issues in the way individual legislators can "hear" it.
We use position papers extensively. Individuals or associations sometimes hand out fact sheets or "write ups" on particular issues at the state capitol. We have a reputation for doing position papers that explain succinctly the bill, its background and need, and whether we are supporting, opposing or amending it. The act of drafting a position paper imposes a discipline on us as we seek to distill information and "get our head around an issue." The final document facilitates communication between members of the legislature and our client.
We can take the heat. Many lobbyists fold when an issue becomes nasty or the subject matter is unpleasant. We stand in there and fight. We thrive on pressure and deliver a good result for our clients, often under difficult conditions.
We are good strategists and problem-solvers. We help each other find solutions to problems we encounter each day at the capitol. We have the ability to craft unique solutions, find alternative ways to achieve success, structure coalitions that allow the resources of other interest groups to be utilized and otherwise help our clients achieve their goals.
We act as "ombudsmen" for our clients. Most business or public entities have public constituencies. Legislators hear about their constituents' negative experiences quickly. We in turn hear from legislators who are upset because a constituent is upset. We are able to calm the water and help solve constituent problems.
We know the state budget. The process of the budget can seem daunting. Knowledge of when and how line items are funded is key to success. Departments have briefings and hearings, so communication with staff and the Joint Budget Committee members at the right time is critical to getting the desired outcome. We monitor the Joint Budget Committee and get our client issues on the table at the right time with the right information.
SERVICES
State and Local Government Lobbying/Monitoring
Election and Campaign Management
Political Action Committee (PAC) Management
Public Policy and Legislative Strategy
State Agency Regulatory Monitoring and Regulatory Development
Copyright © 2010 by Colorado Legislative Services, LLC · All Rights reserved · E-Mail: cls@lobby4co.com
COLORADO LEGISLATIVE SERVICES, LLC
LOBBYING • GOVERNMENT RELATIONS • POLICY ADVANCEMENT
1410 Grant Street, Suite D-110 • Denver, Colorado 80203 • P: 303.832.1061 • F: 303.830.0826 • Email: cls@lobby4co.com
About CLS
