Advocacy

We Shape Policy for Progress

We work at every level of government to ensure California remains the most supportive environment for life sciences growth and innovation.

About Our Federal and State Advocacy Teams

CLS Advocacy BenefitsCalifornia Life Sciences’ team of experienced government relations professionals located in Sacramento, Washington, D.C., and throughout California’s regional municipalities, directly engage with policymakers on issues of critical importance to our members and the continued success of California’s life sciences sector. We engage on federal policy and regulatory items in accordance with the legislative priorities and recommendations of our membership including direct lobbying in Washington, D.C., position and coalition letters, comments and testimony.

The CLS Federal Legislative Committee (FLC) is the primary interface between our membership and identification of the policy items pertinent to CLS’s missions and objectives. The FLC meets monthly to discuss and develop positions and activities regarding federal legislative and regulatory issues of importance to our membership. The FLC also plays an integral role in the development of CLS’s annual federal policy, education, and advocacy agenda.

Our experienced state government relations team engages on behalf of the life sciences sector in multiple ways through strategic collaborations and direct lobbying in Sacramento to advance innovation, investment and job creation for California’s life sciences ecosystem.

In conjunction with the State Legislative Committee (SLC), we identify and develop position statements on issues of interest to CLS’ membership. This SLC group is composed of government affairs professionals at CLS member organizations.

In addition, we aim to favorably shape the policy environment for California’s life sciences industry by creating and leveraging a world class seamless advocacy, public affairs, and government relations program. The team advances a pro-innovation policy agenda, while ensuring patients have access to the right treatment at the right time.

Advocacy News & Updates

FTC Finalizes Changes to Premerger Notification Form

Mike Guerra (CLS) and Susan Bonilla (CPhA) Joint Statement on PBM Reform

California Life Sciences & CA Pharmacists Association Joint Letter on PBM Reform

CMS Issues TCET Final Notice

Survey Assessing the Environment for Developing Treatments for Rare Diseases

CLS Response to House RFI on 21st Century Cures Initiative

CLS Comments on NIH Proposed Policy That Would Require Access Plans in Licensing Agreements

FTC Releases Interim Report Highlighting How PBM’s Drive Up Prescription Cost

Response to CMS Proposed Guidance for the Next Round of Drug Price Negotiation

Survey Assessing the Environment for Developing Treatments for Rare Diseases

CLS Statement on Supreme Court Decision to uphold FDA’s Review & Approval Authority

Advocating for Congress to Establish a Rare Disease Center of Excellence

Amplifying Concerns with White House “March-In” Framework

CMS Drops “Stacking” Provision in MDRP Rule

Council of State Biotech Associations Washington, D.C. Fly-In

Alameda City Council Vote

Meet and Greet with David Montes, Sen. Padilla’s Chief of Staff

CLS Joins the SMTA Fly-In

MedTech Day 2024

CLS host it’s 11th annual Life Sciences Academy

Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act – Letter

Help reinstate immediate R&D expensing

CLS leads mental health roundtable with state lawmakers

Overriding patent rights will harm California’s life sciences innovation

Congressional task force seeks answers on the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act on drug development

White House releases executive order on artificial intelligence

Senate Finance Committee approves bipartisan pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) legislation

CLS Hosts Congressional Briefing On Restoring Full Tax Expensing for R&D Investments

CLS and Biotech Select Committee host roundtable in Los Angeles

CLS at The MedTech Conference

CLS joins members, patient advocates, partner trades on the Hill

CLS hosts San Diego life sciences day with state legislators

NEW: Transitional Coverage for Emerging Technologies notice

Advocating for life sciences R&D