Press Release: 2003 Spring Forum

NCSL News graphic

April 9, 2003

State Budgets Highlight of Upcoming Spring Forum

New 50-State Update To Be Released by Fiscal Affairs Staff

BOSTON - Find out how states will balance their 2004 budgets. Learn the latest ways legislatures across the country are closing gaps between revenues and expenses. Explore the roles gaming, privatization and unfunded federal mandates could play as policymakers from coast to coast look for ways to nurse their budgets back to health. These are a few of the insights you could gain at the National Conference of State Legislatures' annual Spring Forum in Boston from April 24-27. The varied menu of sessions only begins with these budget-related issues:

April State Fiscal Conditions: NCSL's fiscal affairs team will release an updated report on state budget conditions that peers ahead to 2004. The discussion will also examine how legislatures are coping. Speakers include Lynn Browne, of the Federal Reserve, Corina Eckl, of NCSL and Thomas Finneran, speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representatives. 8 a.m.- 9:30 a.m. Friday, April 25

Betting on the Future of Gaming Revenue: More states are looking at gaming as a possible way to patch current budget holes. This interactive discussion will explore fiscal and legal issues around gaming, including its viability as a revenue source and agreements with Indian tribes. 8:45 a.m.- 10:15 a.m. Saturday, April 26

New Models of Collaboration: As the need to save money and promote efficiency continues, some states have partnered with businesses and other organizations. This session highlights initiatives that promote this expanded view of problem solving. 1:15 p.m.-3:15 p.m. Friday, April 25

State Fiscal Conditions: The Impact on State Human Services Budgets: A presentation on a survey of state budget decisions will be the springboard to a roundtable discussion. 4 p.m.- 5 p.m., Friday, April 25

Spotlight on Unfunded Mandates: 1:15 p.m.- 3:15 p.m. Friday, April 25

Keeping State Budgets Afloat: This session will discuss the latest approaches for dealing with state budget gaps. 9:45 a.m. -11:15 a.m. Friday, April 25

At the spring forum, NCSL committee members from different states have the chance to learn how their counterparts across the country are solving universal problems. Close to 70 sessions range from 90 minutes to eight hours. Other than money woes, sessions are offered on:

How states are handling federal education issues like No Child Left Behind: Federal Education Issues Roundtable, 8:45 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. Saturday, April 26

The financial impact of a permanent Internet tax moratorium on state and local budgets: Internet Tax Moratorium: Should Congress Make It? 1:15 p.m. to 3:15 p.m., Friday, April 25

What funds will be available to state and local governments to contribute to domestic security: Domestic Security Legislative Update, 9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Friday, April 25

To register, e-mail your name, news organization, phone number and which sessions you're likely to attend to NCSL's pressroom.

NCSL is a bipartisan organization serving the legislators and legislative staff from the states, commonwealths and territories. Its mission is to improve the quality and effectiveness of state legislatures, foster interstate communication and provide the states a strong, cohesive voice in the federal system.

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