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

California Life Sciences Urges Governor Newsom to Honor Commitment to California Innovation, Restore Full R&D Tax Credit Instead of Raising Taxes

California Life Sciences Responds to RAPID Coverage Pathway Announcement

CLS CEO Mike Guerra’s Statement on SBIR and STTR

CLS CEO Mike Guerra’s Statement on Senate Action on SBIR and STTR

Congress Passed Critical Health Care Provisions

Letter to Governor Newsom – Support for Reauthorization of SBIR and STTR Programs

Letter to CA Delegation – Support and Pass Extension of SBIR and STTR Programs

California Life Sciences Thanks Congress for Passing Legislation to Protect Research Incentives for the Development of Innovative New Treatments and Products

The Council of State Bioscience Associations (CSBA) Strongly Opposes the Implementation of the “Most Favored Nation” or Foreign Reference Pricing Rule in the US

Senator Becker Announces OBAL Winner, Introduces Legislation to Expand Healthcare Access for Farmworkers in Rural California

California Life Sciences Celebrates Rare Disease Week, Promotes Innovation and Access for Patients

Council on State Biotechnology Associations says NIH Funds are a Critical Component of Innovation Ecosystem

California Life Sciences’ Statement Regarding NIH Research Funding

California Life Sciences Supports the ORPHAN Cures Act to Advance Rare Disease Research

CLS Statement Following Announcement of Additional Drugs Subject to Government Price Negotiation

California Life Sciences Supports Inclusion of Important Patient Access Protections in Continuing Resolution, Urges Swift Passage