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Learn about the relationship among substance abuse, child welfare and the courts, and examine state programs that address these issues. There will be plenty of time for questions, discussion and brainstorming.
NCSL gratefully acknowledges the support of the National Center on Substance Abuse and Child Welfare for this preconference.
In a rapidly changing environment, state homeland security organizations and their leaders require continuous education. Develop a deeper understanding of homeland security issues, public policy debates and the terrorist threat, and learn what are the best practices.
Medical schools, public and private universities, and community colleges were all affected by Katrina. Officials from a number of schools in Louisiana will discuss how their response and recovery efforts affected higher education.
U.S. ports play a vital role in the global economy. With more than 11 million containers passing through U.S. ports annually, with an estimated value of almost $4 trillion, ports are targets for criminals and terrorists. Learn about some of the security issues facing ports and how states can protect these vital resources.
Task force members will discuss an outline for a state legislator's guide to fusion centers, and will review and vote on an updated REAL ID policy.
In the aftermath of Katrina, numerous reports were released, including ones by the White House and Congress, which included action items. Federal and local government representatives will provide their perspectives on how prepared we are for the next hurricane Katrina.
Rising fuel costs, increasing dependency on imported oil and natural gas, and concerns about climate change are at the top of state lawmakers' agendas. Although challenges abound, many see a chance to energize the economy by using domestic energy resources and American ingenuity. This year's Energy Summit will explore how policymakers can develop energy policies that promote vibrant economies and healthy environments.
The Task Force will examine federal and state immigration developments in 2008. State legislators will hear presentations on state enforcement of federal immigration law and promising practices in providing disaster relief and effective integration efforts.
This meeting for state policymakers will focus on treatment and services for children with birth defects and developmental disabilities. Legislators will learn from national and state experts and have an opportunity to share their own experiences. There will be plenty of time for discussion among participants and leading researchers in the field. Space is limited, you must register to attend. Contact Joanne Stroud at 303-856-1538 or joanne.stroud@ncsl.org. Session is located at W New Orleans Hotel, 333 Poydras Street.
NCSL gratefully acknowledges the support of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), Genetic Alliance, Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), March of Dimes; National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), Office of Rare Diseases, for this preconference.
Information is available online and will be distributed to Working Group members.
Welcome and Introductions 9:00 am - 10:15 amThe officers of NCSL and the International Programs Department welcomes all international delegates to the 2008 Legislative Summit. Presiding: The Honorable Irving Stolberg, Connecticut, Former President, NCSL New Ways to Communicate with Constituents 10:30 am - 12:30 pm Modern technologies give legislators and legislative assemblies new ways to reach out to the public and communicate with constituents. At the same time, "low-tech" channels like public meetings, press interviews and direct mailings are still effective with constituents. Moderator: Senator Sharon, Weston Broome, Louisiana Speakers: Delegate Kristen J. Amundson, Virginia Martin Chungong, Division for the Promotion of Democracy, Inter-Parliamentary Union, Switzerland The Honorable Speaker Ebenezer Sekyi Hughes, Parliament of Ghana 12:30 pm - 3:00 pm International participants will have lunch at the Court of the Two Sisters, in the French Quarter, for a taste of New Orleans. Participants will be welcomed by a jazz trio. Transportation will leave from the Convention Center at 12:30 p.m. Presenter: Mr. Rick Nuccio, Director, Civitas International Programs Mr. Patrick Davidson, Patrick Davidson Productions, California
NCSL gratefully acknowledges the support of the Center for Civic Education of this luncheon.
The NCSL Blue Ribbon Commission on Higher Education will meet to discuss priority issues and activities for the remainder of 2008.
Meet at the River Blends Café in the Hilton Riverside to introduce yourself or renew old friendships.
Twenty-two states have complied with the Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement, and more than 1,100 out-of-state sellers have collected over $200 million in previously uncollected sales taxes for these states. The Sales Tax Fairness and Simplification Act has been introduced in Congress with bipartisan support. Examine its prospects for passage and get an update on state efforts.
America’s water-borne freight infrastructure faces many of the same unsafe and costly crumbling conditions as our highways and bridges. Visit a key lock-and-dam system on the Mississippi River where freight often waits days to pass to or from the Port of New Orleans, and other Army Corps of Engineers infrastructure projects underway in the region. To attend, RSVP to paul.snow@ncsl.org.
Sponsored by Transportation Committee and Budgets and Revenue Committee
An expert will share generally accepted guidelines on minimizing risk to institutional collections, and describe and demonstrate procedures and techniques to minimize loss when disasters damage materials.
NLSSA Group Roundtable discussion on business protocols and best practices.
The use of presidential signing statements has increased dramatically since the Reagan administration. Examine the way signing statements are being used by the president and how using them may affect the separation of powers doctrine.
Trying to prepare for major software upgrades can be a challenge. Explore Office 2007, including new tools in Word, Excel and PowerPoint to improve the professional look of your documents, worksheets and presentations.
Mentors help new staff learn the ropes and the unwritten rules of working in a legislative environment. Explore formal and informal legislative staff mentoring programs around the country.
State public health laboratories play a critical role in the nation's emergency and terrorism response networks. Join us for a tour of the Louisiana State Public Health Laboratory in New Orleans and learn more about the advances and challenges of preparing for and responding to chemical and radiological threats. Space is limited. Reserve your spot by calling Scott Hendrick at (303) 364-7700, ext. 1409.
Association of Public Health Laboratories Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, Office of Public Health National Conference of State Legislatures
Legislators, staff and members of NCSL's Foundation for State Legislatures (FSL) will discuss and shape the agenda for a potential FSL Partnership Project on state mortgage and banking issues.
How we collaborate today may not be the most efficient way to get the job done in the legislative environment. Explore new technologies and learn how collaboration might affect open meeting laws and public records requirements.
Full Executive Committee
This will be an introduction to the NCSL Legislative Summit and a budget briefing for legislative staff of the Indonesian People's Representative Council.
States offer incentives to the arts, sports and entertainment industries to revitalize arts districts, enhance the cultural climate and promote tourism. In return, these industries create jobs, attract new businesses and bring in tax revenue. This session examines state tax policies on arts, sports and entertainment.
Community health centers care for 15 million people at more than 5,000 locations across the nation. About 40 percent of their patients are uninsured. Take a look at the role these centers provide in caring for the nation's most vulnerable populations; their capacity for serving as medical homes; and how they cared for the community during and after Katrina.
Many legislatures have considered voter ID laws this year A new Supreme Court decision upholding Indiana's requirement of a photo ID to vote guarantees that more states will consider the issue in 2009. What are the broader implications of the Court's decision?
Because many aspects of our lives are affected by court decisions, members of the judiciary are relied upon to render thoughtful, fair decisions. Examine state processes for judicial selection, as well as means for retention and evaluation of judicial performance.
Learn about the issues and concerns surrounding unregulated residential treatment facilities for youth, such as those commonly called "boot camps," and the options states are using to increase oversight of these programs.
Tight resources often heighten interest in budget management tools. This session takes a look at the latest in state performance budgeting efforts.
States have been at the forefront of protecting consumers' personal financial information. Congress, however, is considering legislation that would preempt most state protections. Help develop NCSL’s policy statement on information security due to expire at this meeting.
The number of states offering online courses, and the number of students enrolling in them has skyrocketed. What are the challenges for states as more teaching and learning occurs online? What makes a highly qualified online teacher? Hear from experts and online teachers about how the Internet is changing teaching and learning and the role of the state in ensuring quality.
Join your Legislative Research Librarians colleagues for a light reception before the start of a busy week.
NCSL gratefully acknowledges the support of LexisNexis for this reception.
Everyone is welcome to attend the Network Executive Board meeting.
Ceremony to welcome members of the news media to the Legislative Summit and re-name the NCSL press room in honor of former Baton Rogue reporter and editor John LaPlante.
Many states are considering comprehensive audits to review how officials run elections. Legislatures should consider how to best structure election audit programs and whether they are worth the effort.
Foreign direct investment plays a major role in the U.S. economy, both as a key driver of the economy and an important source of innovation, exports and jobs. Although the U.S. Commerce Department's "Invest in America" program helps, most promotion efforts and all incentives decisions lie with state policymakers. Explore promotion efforts and case studies on state incentive programs.
Information technology (IT) is a critical ingredient of state government operation. As reliance and spending on IT continue to grow, how can legislatures ensure that their state takes a coordinated, effective and fiscally prudent approach to managing this asset?
Credit and debit card use has exploded in recent years. Yet, companies are raising their late fees and over-limit penalties and putting holds on accounts. Find out what is going on to curb such practices in the credit/debit card industry.
The committee will discuss their current policy on the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families Program.
Welfare reform and other efforts to support low-wage workers are at a turning point. New federal rules are forcing states to broaden their focus on welfare policy, raising questions about how best to help families become self-sufficient. Share experiences from your state, and hear from leading researchers in the field.
The steering committee will review the list of NCSL policies that standing committees will consider on Wednesday, July 23.
Join NALIT members from around the country for a great evening at a local restaurant. NALIT members may bring a spouse or guest. Space may be limited, so email Pam Greenberg at pam.greenberg@ncsl.org before July 11 to register or for more information.
NALIT and NCSL gratefully acknowledge the support of Propylon for this dinner.
Join friends and colleagues from around the country for a great evening at the NLPES Dutch Treat Dinner. Spouses and guests are welcome. For information please contact, Bob Boerner, NLPES staff liaison, (303) 856-1353 or Bob.Boerner@ncsl.org. For details on the restaurant location and time, contact Bob Boerner.
Join friends and colleagues from around the country for the Legal Services Dutch Treat Dinner. Space is limited, so email Kae Warnock at kae.warnock@ncsl.org before July 11 to register or for more information.
Meet with your colleagues from across the country while enjoying some fresh Southern pastries and refreshments. Exchange your ideas, experiences and insights as well as your business cards!
From landline to cell phones to video services to broadband, consumers have many choices of providers. Learn the "state of the marketplace:" how competitive and open it is to all providers and whether consumers have viable choices.
NCSL gratefully acknowledges the support of PayPal for breakfast.
Low-income families must pay more of their income for everyday goods and services than other households. Examine solutions that help communities and working families get ahead.
NCSL gratefully acknowledges the support of Annie E. Casey Partnership on Family Economic Success for this breakfast.
Legislative staff attending the Legislative Summit for the first time will get an overview of NCSL and ways to take advantage of the conference activities.
Legislators attending the Legislative Summit for the first time will get an overview of NCSL and ways to take advantage of the conference activities.
Travel to Baton Rouge for a tour and briefings at the state capitol with demonstrations of committee room management software and how it interfaces with webcasting, and briefings about the voting and other legislative systems. Please contact Pam Greenberg at pam.greenberg@ncsl.org to register or for more information.
NALIT and NCSL gratefully acknowledge the support of Akamai Technologies, Inc. and Public Systems Associates for this tour.
The tragic bridge collapse in Minneapolis heightened policymakers' concerns regarding the nation's aging transportation infrastructure. Explore efforts to determine the condition of roads and bridges and anticipate potential hazards, and discuss the availability of resources to maintain our transportation infrastructure.
How can researchers get access to old and fragile legislative books and records without jeopardizing venerable materials? Learn about the collaborative project between the Internet Archive and the Ontario Legislative Assembly, in which journals are scanned and made available to the public through the Internet Archive. Discuss the implications and gain practical advice for implementing a similar project.
The International Code Coalition develops the codes used to construct residential and commercial buildings, including homes and schools. In September, the coalition will take up a proposal to increase residential energy efficiency code requirements by 30 percent. Come hear the pros and cons of this proposal and how state legislatures can get involved.
Examine what states do to make their committees work effectively and efficiently, and identify what practices may be important to your state. Interactive discussions will involve committee chairs, members and staff.
Get an update on federal education issues including the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act and school-based Medicaid services. Following the discussion, the committee will consider the renewal of NCSL's expiring policy, The Federal Role in Elementary and Secondary Education.
The committee will consider policies.
Drug and alcohol offenders burden criminal justice systems, while states look for effective ways to divert, manage and treat them. Explore new technologies, like "24/7" monitoring programs, as well as how diversion policies are keeping people off drugs and out of jails.
Gather and meet colleagues before committee sessions begin at 8:30 a.m.
It has been 13 years since the enactment of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA). Has it made a difference? You be the judge after hearing this update on pending and enacted congressional mandates. The committee's federal mandate relief policy will be discussed during the business meeting.
The ASLCS "A" Committees will meet during this time. They are: Bylaws and Standing Orders, Inside the Legislative Process, Site Selection and Technology. (Meetings will be held in the Belle Chasse, Jasperwood, Oak Alley and Rosedown rooms at the Hilton Riverside, third level.)
NALFO members will discuss the principal issues that affected their budget sessions in 2008. A brief presentation on recent state budget and tax actions will be included.
NLSSA Officers will conduct general staff section business.
The Human Services and Welfare Committee and the Labor and Economic Development Committee will consider two expiring joint policies: maintaining the solvency of Social Security, and protecting the integrity of Social Security numbers.
For more than 20 years, the Cook Political Report has offered objective analysis on political races for the president, members of Congress, governors and American political trends. Publisher Charlie Cook will talk about the likelihood of major changes in the fall elections.
In response to disasters, catastrophes and terrorism, insurance companies are raising rates and refusing to write new policies. Consumers are wondering how they can get coverage, while insurance companies are wondering how to pay for the next recovery. What's the answer? Discuss NCSL's policy statements on disaster insurance as well.
Receive an update on the most recent federal budget activity and its effect on states. The Federal Mandate Relief policy and Payment in Lieu of Taxes policy will be reviewed, discussed and voted on.
Hear the latest about federal legislation and regulations that will affect your state's health, human services and welfare budgets and programs.
Many companies have been going green, affecting their operations and changing the way they supply their stores and design their products. From redesigning products to rethinking the supply chain, these decisions can increase productivity, reduce costs and foster innovation. Hear from companies that have made these choices and learn what set them on the road to greener gadgets, factories and stores.
Examine some of the challenges of coordinating state programs that provide transportation for senior citizens, the disabled and other disadvantaged populations.
Hope is fading for completing the World Trade Organization's Doha Round negotiations before the end of the Bush Administration. And the expiration of Presidential Trade Promotion Authority may complicate matters. Review these issues in light of NCSL's expiring policies
The ASLCS "B" Committees will meet during this time. They are: International Communication and Development, Legislative Administrator, Membership and Communication and Support Staff. (Meetings will be held in the Belle Chasse, Jasperwood, Oak Alley and Rosedown rooms at the Hilton Riverside, third level.)
In this mini-session, the committee will hear about Washington state's move to a "top-two" primary system similar to the "Cajun-style primary" system used in Louisiana.
Feel the beat of some great New Orleans home-grown music before the start of our general session. Today's featured band is the Storyville Stompers.
Rising energy prices and U.S. dependency on foreign fuel have brought our vulnerable energy supply to the forefront of state policymakers' agendas. How can the U.S. maintain the delicate balance between energy, economic and environmental sustainability? Hear Fred Krupp, president of the Environmental Defense Fund, and Marvin Odom, president of Shell Oil, discuss possible solutions. Excellence in Legislative Leadership Awards
Get an update on activities in Washington, D.C.and a recap of key issues for the states. Also, Randall Luthi, director of the Gulf of Mexico Region of the Minerals Management Service, will discuss the important role states play in energy production and the agency's new authority over offshore alternative energy development and revenue sharing.
NCSL gratefully acknowledges the support of the American Petroleum Institute for lunch.
The legislator plays an important role as a convener to help solve critical problems in both the district and the statehouse. Learn what works, including the use of technology, in real-life situations.
States have invested more than $1 billion in new appropriations to promote child development and early learning this year. Learn about new state policies to advance child development for infants and toddlers that draw on effective models and practices.
Learn about efforts to improve consumer protections and financial literacy, especially among America’s older citizens, from representatives of state regulators of financial services.
NCSL gratefully acknowledges the support of the Conference of State Bank Supervisors, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners and the North American Securities Administrators Association for lunch.
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. - NCSL Standing Committee on Health Luncheon 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. - Ideas at Work for Prescription Drugs Learn about three programs in a growing number of states: Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs that help prevent abuse of prescriptions, the federal 340B Drug Pricing Program that helps provide medication to 10 million patients, and Medication Therapy Management that helps provide counseling to patients with chronic diseases.
Policymakers are recognizing that adequate and affordable housing can take many forms, including apartments, condominiums, cooperatives, single-family homes and manufactured housing. Come hear about programs and initiatives from representatives of different areas of the housing industry.
NCSL gratefully acknowledges the support of the Americans for the Arts, International Council of Shopping Centers, Mortgage Bankers Association, National Association of Home Builders, National Association of Realtors, and the National Multi Housing Council for lunch.
Discuss state redistricting and election developments
