Staff Chair, NCSL

This session will begin with a short description of the new committee structure, but will be devoted primarily to answering questions that the new officers may have about the new standing committees and the roles and responsibilities of committee officers.

Max Arinder, Director, Joint Committee on Program Evaluation and Expenditure Review, Mississippi, Staff Vice Chair, NCSL (tentative)

Carl Tubbesing

Renewal of the 1996 welfare reform law has been one of NCSL’s top priorities during 2002. This presentation will use this year’s work on welfare reform to illustrate the basics of how NCSL approaches its lobbying mission.

Sheri Steisel, Federal Affairs Counsel, NCSL

Representative Spencer Coggs, Wisconsin, Chair, NCSL Standing Committees

The December meeting of the committees will represent a transition from the old AFI and ASI structure to the new approach. Although the new committees now exist, they won’t have members until appointments come in January. In this session, the new officers will react to a proposed schedule and approach for the Fall Forum. They will also "brainstorm" about major topics that should be covered and possible speakers and discuss ideas for the Spring 2003 Forum to be held in Boston.

Marion Higa, State Auditor, Hawaii, Staff Chair, NCSL Standing Committees

Officers and staff will meet to plan programs for the year and develop strategies for introducing new members to the committees.

This two-part session will feature (a) brief reports from each committee about its plans for the year and (b) a preliminary discussion of remaining challenges for the new structure, including committee work products, outreach to members, increasing the vitality of committees between meetings and assuring lobbying effectiveness in the new structure.