Government Relations
& Strategic Advocacy
Helping organizations influence public policy, secure funding, navigate government, and achieve meaningful results.
Effective advocacy requires more than simply knowing the issues, it requires understanding the people, the process, and the politics behind every decision. Ben Lazare combines decades of legislative, budget, and policy experience with trusted relationships throughout Illinois government to help clients advance their priorities with confidence. His practical approach combines strategy, credibility, and a focus on results.
While representing healthcare providers, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, trade associations, or private businesses, Ben develops comprehensive strategies that align organizational goals with public policy opportunities. From legislative advocacy and regulatory engagement to appropriations strategy and coalition building, he serves as a trusted advisor at every stage of the process.
Securing Results
When It Matters Most
Some of the greatest advocacy successes occur during the most difficult budget years.
While others focus on preserving the status quo, Ben has built a reputation for helping clients secure new investments, protect existing funding, achieve reimbursement improvements, and advance critical policy priorities, even when state resources are limited.
His strategic approach identifies opportunities where others see obstacles, helping organizations compete successfully for state funding while advancing long-term objectives.
Strategic Budget
& Policy Expertise
Ben possesses one of the most comprehensive understandings of Illinois’ budget and appropriations process.
Ben helps his clients navigate complex funding systems, identify new revenue opportunities, and develop legislative strategies that produce measurable outcomes.
While widely recognized for his extensive expertise in Medicaid, healthcare finance, and human services policy, Ben’s experience extends well beyond healthcare. He advises clients on education, technology, behavioral health, public safety, and other key areas of state policy, providing strategic counsel tailored to each organization’s goals.
Experience That
Few Can Match
Ben played a central role in developing the Illinois House’s human services budget
Before founding his consulting practice, ben served as the lead policy and budget staff member for healthcare and human services in the Speaker’s Office. That experience provides an insider’s understanding of how legislation is negotiated, how appropriations are prioritized, and how policy decisions ultimately become law.
Today, Ben applies that knowledge to help organizations navigate state government more effectively, position initiatives for success, and develop practical pathways toward long-term growth and financial stability.
Trusted Relationships.
Proven Results.
Government relations is built on trust, credibility, and responsiveness.
Ben has earned the confidence of legislators, executive branch officials, agency leadership, and policy stakeholders across Illinois through years of collaboration and successful advocacy.
Clients rely on him not only to advocate on their behalf, but to anticipate challenges, identify opportunities, and provide strategic guidance before critical decisions are made. Whether advancing legislation, securing appropriations, navigating regulatory issues, or building bipartisan support, Ben works as an extension of each client’s leadership team, helping organizations influence policy, strengthen their position, and achieve lasting results.
“
Ben has an exceptional understanding of the state budget and a unique ability to maneuver within that process to the benefit of our industry and the many thousands of vulnerable people who rely on us every day for care. He has led numerous successful efforts to secure substantial resources for our industry. His relationships, strategic approach, and deep policy expertise result in a unique ability to secure significant investments that have strengthened our services and expanded resources for those we serve.
-Karin Zosel, Executive Director, Affordable Assisted Living Coalition