NCSL SPRING FORUM | MAY 2-4, 2013

The full agenda is now available!

The Spring Forum: A peak perspective in the Mile High City
The Spring Forum in Denver will give you a range of ideas that elevate discussions and move mountains. You'll hear from national experts, find the NCSL staff who can give you the research you need to turn your ideas into action, and help develop policies that direct NCSL's advocacy efforts on behalf of the states.


GET THE OUTLOOK ON:

• America's Changing Demographics.  James Johnson Jr. is a business professor at the University of North Carolina who says demographic changes - particularly labor shortages and health care needs as baby boomers retire - are going to transform America’s economy and the workforce. Hear his insights on the challenges ahead.
• Higher Education.  States have fewer dollars to invest in higher education at a time when a college degree is more important than ever.  Hank Brown, a former Colorado lawmaker and U.S. congressman, has been the president of two Colorado institutions – the University of Northern Colorado and the University of Colorado.  He’ll give his view on the changing world of higher education.
• Federal Deficit Reduction.  Economist Alison Felix, assistant vice president and Denver Branch executive at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, will share her perspective on the impact of the continued federal budget crisis – the fiscal cliff, sequestration, and the continuing budget resolution – on states and the nation.  Then participate in a town hall meeting where legislators share their approaches to dealing with cuts and uncertainty.
• Health Reform. The countdown has begun. In four and a half months, exchanges will be open to the public in all 50 states and in seven months, 100 percent  federal funding will be  available for Medicaid expansion.  What will states do?  Hear how employers, both large and small, are responding to new roles and choices in health.
• Hydraulic Fracturing.  The combined use of hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling has unlocked a bounty of natural gas, often in regions that may not be accustomed to oil and gas extraction. This rapid expansion has heightened concern over how to protect water quality and the environment while extracting these newly accessible resources. Explore the domestic natural gas picture and issues states are confronting as they work to protect water resources and ensure safe, responsible natural gas development.
• State Options to Help Returning Veterans. Veterans coming home from recent conflicts face a host of challenges. Learn how states are meeting the growing need for effective treatment and services through new initiatives, coordination and efficiency measures, and partnerships with federal, local and private entities.
• Pension Funding Guideline Efforts.  Learn about efforts by the Big 7 and associations representing state and local officials to address pension funding guidelines. Hear updated information on the Government Finance Officers Association’s (GFOA) comprehensive set of guidelines on what constitutes a sound funding plan to ensure sustainable, long term funding for pension benefits.