Legislators Share State Innovations in Tough Times

Sec. of Education, U.S. Trade Ambassador to Address Meeting

Even though economists say the national recession has ended, states face steep revenue declines and, an in turn, mounting budget shortfalls. With these challenges facing nearly all 50 states, legislators from across the country are coming together to share ideas and new opportunities during a four-day policy meeting in San Diego.

The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) will host its Fall Forum from Dec. 9 to 12 at the San Diego Marriott Hotel. The meeting, themed “New Ideas, New Opportunities,” features an array of speakers who will address state budgets and economic recovery, education reform, job creation and state innovation. Also, NCSL will release reports on the condition of state budgets, immigration-related laws in the states and policy recommendations to reform America's high schools.

“Although the national economy is on the uptick, many states won’t see any recovery for another year or longer,” said NCSL Executive Director William T. Pound. "It’s during trying times like these that state legislators rise to the challenge to balance budgets while still providing essential services. The meeting in San Diego will highlight some opportunities and innovations for states as they move forward.”

Secretary of Education Arne Duncan will address the group on Thursday, Dec. 10, along with Ambassador Ron Kirk, U.S. trade representative, during this two-part program that will provide a provocative discussion of two different state-federal issues:  education and trade.

Other notable speakers include Charles F. Bolden, the newly appointed administrator for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and former astronaut, who will talk on Friday, Dec. 11, about the importance of science and math education and NASA's short- and long-term plans for space exploration. Bolden, a retired Marine Corps officer, was once the commanding general of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego.

Christopher Thornberg, an economic forecaster from Beacon Economics in Los Angeles, will look at the prospects for economic recovery during his discussion on Saturday, Dec. 12.  And a representative of the Obama administration will discuss new directions for federal programs that serve children and families.

During the meeting, state legislators serving on NCSL's 12 Standing Committees will develop policy resolutions that guide NCSL's actions before Congress and the administration. At the forefront are health care and education reform, immigration and REAL ID.

NCSL's Fall Forum brings together the best ideas, the most knowledgeable speakers, and the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues across the nation involved in the same hard decisions. Legislators and legislative staff from all 50 states and from around the world will attend these policy sessions on the most pressing state issues including:

• Keeping Good Jobs in America: the Challenges U.S. Manufacturers Face
• Climate Change and Water Resources
• The Path to a Degree: Policies to Improve College Access and Success
• The State of State Pensions
• An Update on DOT's Urban Partnership Agreements
• Update on Federal Financial Service Regulation Legislation
• The Housing Rollercoaster and Its Impact on a Recovering Economy

Credentialed members of the media may register for free online and on-site during the Fall Forum. All requests to attend sessions at Fall Forum must be made through NCSL Media and Public Affairs office. Online registration is available until Dec. 7 and then onsite in the Press Room at the Marriott Hotel in San Diego. To register online, click here.

A searchable full agenda is now available online.

NCSL 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 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.