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Latest News

Spring Meeting Looks to Melt Deep Freeze in D.C. More

Education Seminar in New York. More

Capitol Ideas: Stories for Statehouse Reporters. More

 

NCSL News Team

Michelle BlackstonMichelle Blackston
Media and Public Affairs, Director
D.C. Office
Phone: 202-624-8667
Cell: 202-413-0534
Fax: 202-737-1069

Meagan DorschMeagan Dorsch
Media and Public Affairs, Manager
Denver Office
Phone: 303-856-1412
Cell: 720-381-7611
Fax: 303-364-7800

 

  
New NCSL Reports

Spring Legislative Meeting Hopes to Melt Freeze in Washington

Jefferson Memorial in the springRegistration has opened for NCSL's Spring Forum, April 8-10 in Washington, D.C. This year, U.S. Secretary of Energy Steven Chu and Newt Gingrich, former speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, will talk to state legislators, legislative staff and others from across the nation about the responsibilities and opportunities states have in the current economy. More

 

 

What Works in Education Reform

The NCSL's sponsored national seminar this week in New York City showcases innovations in turning around troubled schools, boosting leadership development and providing a way for minority and underserved students to attend community college. State lawmakers will learn approaches based on research as well as hear from the experts in the field of education reform policy. More  

 

 
State-Federal

Check here for NCSL’s positions on a variety of issues affecting shared state and federal issues.
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Press Room Overview

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The National Conference of State Legislatures is a bipartisan organization that serves the legislators and staffs of the states, commonwealths and territories. It provides research, technical assistance and opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas on the most pressing state issues and is an effective and respected advocate for the interests of the states in the American federal system.

NCSL's media and public affairs office provides assistance to members of the news media on state legislation and legislative activity across a broad spectrum of issue areas. Public Affairs staff are located in the Denver and Washington, D.C., offices to assist the media's needs on deadline. Reporters can reach policy analysts for comment through the media and public affairs office. NCSL sends breaking news alerts and other updates to a listserv of interested subscribers. To receive regular updates, send an e-mail to press-room@ncsl.org. 

Social Media

Reporters also can follow NCSL on Facebook, Ning and Twitter as well as listen to podcasts and read blog postings on The Thicket, NCSL's blog.

Meetings

Media and public affairs staff also assist reporters who attend NCSL meetings. Credentialed news reporters can attend NCSL's three annual meetings -- Fall Forum, Spring Forum and Legislative Summit -- at no cost. Credentialed members of the media and bloggers covering the event must register with the media and public affairs office.

Capitol Ideas

NCSL's media and public affairs office releases a monthly list of story ideas with resources for state house reporters called Capitol Ideas. These tip sheets often reflect developing issues and trends in the states, along with recently published reports from NCSL's policy experts. As part of NCSL's role in fostering a strong state-federal partnership, Capitol Ideas also highlights federal legislation that affects states. To receive Capitol Ideas, send an e-mail to the press room.

News Announcements and Press Releases

NCSL stores electronic news announcements, multimedia clips and press releases on its archive page. To access archived previously released reports, please contact the press room.

 
Today's Quote

"A number of states right now do ask that you [pay sales tax]. On your income tax form, there's a line for unpaid sales taxes or uncollected sales taxes — and you can report that and pay that to the state." 

NCSL's Neal Osten on National Public Radio discussing online sales tax collection by states. 

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Need an Expert?

 Contact us by e-mail or phone if you need an NCSL policy expert to provide comment for your story.

 
NCSL in the News

Draft national education standards unveiled
David Shreve of NCSL says now that the states must adopt these standards in order to get certain federal grants, they really aren't voluntary. National Public Radio. More

So far, Va. lawmakers' pay immune from budget cuts
Compensation models differ, but judged on an annual basis, California ranks first, at $95,291, and Texas last, at $7,200, according to NCSL. The Virginian-Pilot. More

N.J. bill mandates public employees live in state
Nationwide, states have widely varying policies on residency requirements for public employees, according to NCSL. Philadelphia Inquirer. More

Governor proposes rise in income tax for Illinois
“A lot of the easy decisions were already made,” said Todd Haggerty, an analyst with NCSL. New York Times. More

Lawmakers ponder taxing online sales
Enter the Streamlined Sales Tax project, an effort started by NGA and NCSL in 1999 to get states together to figure out how to conform their sales tax laws. Spokesman Review. More

Read More NCSL in the News

 

Denver Office
Tel: 303-364-7700 | Fax: 303-364-7800 | 7700 East First Place | Denver, CO 80230

 

Washington Office
Tel: 202-624-5400 | Fax: 202-737-1069 | 444 North Capitol Street, N.W., Suite 515 | Washington, D.C. 20001

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