Justice Reinvestment: Reducing Crime and Controlling Corrections Costs
Successful corrections and sentencing policies save money and reduce recidivism. During the past two years, at least 10 states have adopted "justice reinvestment" reforms. Explore how states are using the reinvestment concept to achieve safer communities and more effectively use corrections dollars.

States and Deficit Reduction: Surviving the Budget Cuts
Reducing the federal deficit is vital for our economy, but efforts to reduce the nation's debt means an imminent loss of federal funding for states. State budgets will likely see reductions of 8 percent to 9 percent from the federal government in FY 2013, with similar and perhaps deeper reductions cuts in the years ahead. How will states react to this dramatic reduction in funding? Learn about the impact on states and join an interactive discussion on actions states need to limit the fiscal pain.

A Business-Education Collaboration for Creating Jobs 
Researchers at Georgetown University estimate that 63 percent of jobs will require a postsecondary certificate or degree by 2018. These jobs range from auto manufacturing positions requiring a technical certificate to engineering fields requiring a bachelor’s degree or higher. Despite high unemployment rates, many of those positions go unfilled  because workers do not have the right education or training. Learn how business and higher education in your state can collaborate to meet workforce needs and create job growth.

Re-thinking Learning in the 21st Century
How can schools change to meet the needs of today's technologically savvy students? Experts will challenge assumptions about the roles educators, schools, community groups and policymakers play in education and assessments. Hear about a new approach to learning that’s not just about academics but involves students’ interests and peer culture.

Voter ID:  Voter Fraud vs. Voter Suppression
No issue has seized the world of elections like voter ID has in 2011 and 2012. Opinions are passionate and the rhetoric heated on both sides of this controversial issue, but data and evidence tend to be scarce. Thirty-one states now have voter ID laws on the books. Hear how states addressed the challenges of implementing a voter ID law while at the same time protecting the voting rights of citizens. What have the courts had to say on the issue of voter ID?

State Elections 2012
More than 5,800 legislative seats are up for grabs this November in what is the first post-redistricting election since the 2010 census for most states. Add to that the dozen gubernatorial elections and 150+ initiatives and referendums on statewide ballots, and the stakes are high for everyone in 2012. Peer into the crystal ball and see what to expect come November.

How State Energy Plans Can Cultivate Jobs and Revive Economies
A reliable, affordable energy grid can be an engine for economic growth to meet future demands. States can modernize their electric systems while promoting local industries, creating jobs, tapping domestic resources and taking advantage of the latest technological advancements in renewable energy, fossil fuels and energy efficiency. Explore state options to craft job-creating policies that will energize state economies.

Lessons in Ethics
No gambling interests, no revolving door, no gifts. These reforms are touted by America’s best-known lobbyist/felon, Jack Abramoff. He will defend his ideas in front of a panel of experienced legislators who will talk about ethics reforms in their states and challenge Abramoff on what makes sense.

Public Works--Can We Create Jobs Through Infrastructure Projects?
Many experts believe that America faces a massive infrastructure deficit due to a steady decline in public works investment, combined with steadily increasing construction costs. Learn about the infrastructure deficit, how states can borrow affordably or otherwise finance projects, and how tackling this problem can put the unemployed back to work.

The New Venture Capitalist?
Silicon Valley investors are not the only ones investing venture capital into emerging technologies--some states are directly investing venture capital into early-stage, high-risk startup companies. One rust-belt state, Ohio, has created more than 60,000 jobs over 10 years through its venture capital fund, a program with widespread bipartisan support. Hear state venture capital success stories and learn how your state can create similar programs.

Placing Bets on Gaming: What's on the Screen?
Some policymakers continue to consider legalized gaming a way to cash in on extra revenue. While states traditionally have determined regulation and taxation of the gaming industry, Congress has introduced legislation regarding online gaming that may encroach upon the states' prerogative in this area. Explore state gaming developments, news regarding state legalization of online gaming and the possible fiscal and regulatory impacts on states if the federal bill is enacted.

Health Insurance Exchange Plans and Options
By January 2013, states that want to run a state-based health insurance exchange will be required to provide a plan to the Department of Health and Human Services. Learn about the approval process and state actions so far to establish an exchange. Find out which states are on track to have an operational exchange by January 2014.

Medicaid "Best Buys": Getting the Most From Your State's Medicaid Money
States and health plans can "bend the curve" in the growing costs of Medicaid by strategically using managed care tools, providing intensive care management programs for their highest-risk populations, integrating Medicaid and Medicare services, preventing fraud and abuse and targeting resources where they will add the most value. Discuss the five most successful strategies to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of Medicaid.

Pharmaceuticals: What's Ahead?
From drug shortages and misuse to their life saving benefits and future potential, prescription drug issues make headlines regularly. Federal health reform requires medicine to be an essential health benefit. But who will pay for which specific drugs and how much? Hear from national experts on the latest developments and options for state lawmakers to consider.

TENTATIVE: Standing Up Against Human Trafficking
Human trafficking is considered to be one of the fastest growing criminal industries in the world with an estimated revenue of $9.5 billion each year. In 2011 alone, more than 40 pieces of anti-trafficking legislation were enacted in 21 states to prosecute traffickers and assist victims. Hear state legislators and their international counterparts discuss recently enacted legislative solutions and successful practices in combating sex and labor trafficking.

Fine-Tuning Regulations to Stimulate Job Growth
As they seek to create business-friendly climates, lawmakers are taking another look at the impact of their state's regulatory framework. Attend this session to learn about recent state efforts to reform regulations and what that has meant for job creation.

The New Venture Capitalist?
Silicon Valley investors are not the only ones investing venture capital into emerging technologies, some states are directly investing venture capital into early-stage, high-risk startup companies. One rust-belt state, Ohio, has created more than 60,000 jobs over 10 years through its venture capital fund, a program with widespread bipartisan support. Come hear state venture capital success stories and learn how your state can create similar programs.

The Public Works--Can We Create Jobs through Infrastructure Projects?
Many experts believe that America faces a massive infrastructure deficit due to a steady decline in public works investment, combined with steadily increasing construction costs. Learn about the infrastructure deficit, how states can borrow affordably or otherwise finance projects, and how tackling this problem can put the unemployed back to work.

A Business-Education Collaboration to Create Jobs
Researchers at Georgetown University estimate that 63 percent of jobs will require a postsecondary certificate or degree by 2018. These jobs range from auto manufacturing positions requiring a technical certificate to engineering fields requiring a bachelor’s degree or higher. Despite high unemployment rates, many of those positions go unfilled  because workers do not have the right education or training. Learn how business and higher education in your state can collaborate to meet workforce needs and create job growth.

Balancing the Powers of Governors
Legislatures often fare poorly when taking on the governor--the deck seems stacked in favor of the executive branch. Alan Rosenthal, the leading academic expert on state legislatures, advises legislative leaders on how to work with governors and play a consultative role in shaping their agendas. He has just published a book, “The Best Job in Politics,” which looks at why governors are so successful at achieving their goals.

Pension Policy: What the States and Feds are Up To
The last two years have seen unprecedented state vigor in addressing structural and funding questions of state retirement plans. Get a general overview of this historic activity and a report on possibly the most sweeping changes any state has enacted. The federal government has also begun to weigh in on what historically has been a state preserve.

How Much Can States Change Existing Retirement Policy?
A rich heritage of constitutional and statutory guarantees and case law protects employees' interests and limits governments' ability to change public retirement plans provisions for current employees. Hear about the state of the law, the differences among states, and current efforts to push the envelope.

Pensions and Intergenerational Equity
How can governments’ obligations to their pension systems be spread fairly over the present and future?

Secrets to Being an Amazing Leader
You are in a leadership position, but do you have the attributes that make a great governmental leader and public servant? Learn about the nine attributes that make an amazing leader and how the younger generation embodies these attributes.

Up and Coming: The Next Generation of Legislative Leaders and their Impact on American Politics
Twenty-two states have legislators under age 30, and even more are welcoming young adults as legislative staff. What new innovations do young legislative leaders bring to the table and how must the legislative institution respond?

Making Sound Decisions when the Sky is Falling
Legislators are expected to make dozens of decisions every day, and they often take the form of casting a difficult vote that will have major ramifications. Learn how to work through tough decisions even in the seemingly overwhelming crucible of a legislative session. What are the characteristics of really tough decisions and what are the most effective tools for reaching a good conclusion?

The Essential Skill for Legislative Success: Building Strong Relationships
It is probably the most important skill that you need to master to be an effective legislator—building strong relationships. The research is very clear that strong relationships are the key to career success, and that is perhaps no more true than in the world of the legislature. Learn how to cultivate friends and allies within the legislative environment and how to forge positive relationships of respect with that handful of people who are difficult to work with.

What it Means to Lead
Legislatures, chambers, caucuses and committees can be unruly and unpredictable with very different people and very different agendas. They can seem nearly impossible to lead. Learn about the keys to effective legislative leadership from current and former leaders sharing their secrets to keeping the legislatures on track and making progress toward real accomplishments.

Legislative Staff University:  Communication Tools for Navigating Uncertainty
Legislative staff today work in an environment driven by too much information, too little time, too few personal interactions.  How can you be certain the things you say are understood and responded to appropriately to achieve intended results?  Learn from Laree Kiely—a distinguished professor, CEO and participant in the Legislative Staff Management Institute—how to better understand, listen to and communicate with lawmakers and staff alike for a more productive workplace.

Fine-Tuning Regulations to Stimulate Job Growth
As they seek to create business-friendly climates, lawmakers are taking another look at the impact of their state's regulatory framework. Learn about recent state efforts to reform regulations and what it has meant for job creation.

Federalism and the States
The Supreme Court is considering three prominent federalism cases, illustrating that there is often a conflict between policy, politics and principle. These cases have far-reaching consequences and the state-federal relationship is in the balance.

Taxing the Cloud--Not a Weather Phenomenon
The development of cloud computing and digital products has put state government in a fog. It is difficult for states to define what a digital product or service is, and whether or not to tax it. Although relatively new, cloud computing has changed the landscape of how businesses operate and has changed the way we live. You'll be able to clarify the hazy definition of "cloud" and explore how some states have taxed digital services and products.