Legislative Services

LEGISLATIVE MONITORING AND TRACKING

Any successful strategy for dealing with a legislative body, whether it is the United States Congress or a State Legislature, begins with a solid method of identifying and tracking bills and/or resolutions that may affect your organization in any way. Capitol Link uses the most advanced electronic research and tracking data bases available in order to provide our clients with comprehensive and accurate data on issues of concern to them.

We track the activities of the U.S. Congress and State legislatures on a daily basis, searching for any legislation or resolutions that may affect our clients either adversely or beneficially. When such legislation is identified, we inform our clients of its existence and provide updates on actions taken by the appropriate legislative body.

LEGISLATIVE ANALYSIS AND STRATEGY

When a bill is identified that we believe will impact one of our clients, Capitol Link provides the client with the text and an analysis of the legislation. If the client desires a more in-depth analysis, we will examine the purpose of the legislation, determine the possible effects on the client, identify the possible alternative courses of action, and propose a strategy for either the passage or defeat of the bill. When the proper course of action is identified, we will then meet with Members of the U.S. Congress or State Legislature and implement the agreed-upon strategy.

Sometimes, only an amendment to the proposed legislation is needed in order to satisfy a particular need. If that is the requirement, Capitol Link will work with our client to determine the appropriate language and draft a proposed amendment. We will then secure a sponsor for the amendment and work for its acceptance.

IDENTIFICATION OF FEDERAL AND STATE FUNDING SOURCES AND APPLICATION ASSISTANCE

State and local governments, healthcare and educational institutions and non-profits are keenly interested in the process of identifying and securing federal or state funding for critical public projects. Capitol Link has experience locating funding sources for a variety of projects including:

When a funding source is identified, Capitol Link, Inc. will assist the client in all phases of the application process. We will consult with the funding agency to determine the priorities of the grant and advise the client regarding the applicability of the client's project versus the grant priorities. If applicable, Capitol Link, Inc. assists the client in completing the application, editing the final draft and, if requested, filing the application with the appropriate agency.

We will also interface with the Congressional or State Legislative delegation to organize support for the client's application. We maintain close contact with the client's elected officials to provide information and monitoring. If the client is successful in being awarded a grant, we will assist in the funds drawdown and reporting process.

DIRECTED CONGRESSIONAL OR STATE APPROPRIATIONS

If the search for funds available for a critical project reveals no presently authorized program at the Federal or State level, Capitol Link will assist the client in preparing an application to the Congressional or State Legislative delegation requesting funding of the project. This application packet will consist of a full briefing, including documentation, for the elected officials. The briefing booklet will update them on the project, the need for the project, evidence of constituent support for the project, and other information needed for consideration of the request.

Capitol Link will track the course of the directed appropriations through the subcommittee and committee process and provide the Members of the Subcommittee and full Committee with any additional information or support for the request that is needed. Regular contact from our staff will keep the client updated on every stage of the process, from the initial language of the line item to signature of the bill into law by the President.

Over the years, Capitol Link has developed a working relationship with many Members of the U.S. Congress on both sides of the aisle. Through previous work on other projects, we have developed experience in this area and a track record of success for our clients.