What We Do

Legislation and lobbying

The Bell Action Network is actively involved at the state Capitol, working for legislationand spending that promote opportunity for all in Colorado (and arguing against bills thatcounteract that goal).During the legislative session, Bell experts frequently testify before legislativecommittees, offering insights and guidance based on extensive research. The Bell PolicyCenter also employs professional lobbyists to track action on legislation and lobbylegislators on key bills.The Bell's research staff may also prepare an Opportunity Note that gives a thumbs-up orthumbs-down assessment of how proposed legislation would affect Colorado as a state ofopportunity. These two-page briefs give busy legislators a quick summary of the value orharm of a proposed bill.When the legislature is not in session, Bell experts provide background information forinterim committees and legislators preparing for the following year.

Coalitions

Coalition work among organizations representing diverse constituencies is often the mostmeaningful involvement a research organization can have. It provides an opportunity toshare our research on issues with allies, and influence a potential bill or amendment so itcan have a more substantive impact.The Bell Action Network participates in coalitions, some informal and some structured,related to fiscal reform, immigration, prevention of teen pregnancy, health care reform,economic independence for women and girls, and the needs and rights of low-incomeworkers.

Ballot measures

Through the Bell Action Network, our staff takes part both in the formulation and supportor opposition to selected ballot measures. The Bell Action Network has taken positionson numerous ballot measures, and staff members played a lead advocacy role in measuresrelated to the minimum wage, K-12 education funding and fiscal and initiative reform.In 2005, Bell staff campaigned actively for Referendum C and D and played a majorrole in organizing the largest and most diverse coalition in Colorado history, helping winvoter approval for Ref C.