AM Budget Sessions

NCSL News graphic

July 8, 2003

Beyond the Budget Crisis

NCSL Meeting Looks Ahead with Forecasts, Back with Analyses

SAN FRANCISCO -- The numbers are hardly news anymore. At the upcoming National Conference of State Legislatures' annual meeting, experts will do more than update the states' fiscal situations. The five-day agenda includes talks from nationally renowned economic forecasters as well as a session on the most radical budget problems and solutions states endured this year. Other sessions add up the true costs of cuts. Below are highlights from the agenda of 32 budget related presentations scheduled for July 21-25 in San Francisco:

The Most Interesting Fiscal Developments of 2003 (So Far) -- This session will emphasize unique, innovative or challenging budget scenarios state legislatures faced this year and how they dealt with them. Thurs., July 24, 2:15-4:00 p.m., Salon 7, Lower B2 Level, S.F. Marriott.

State Budget Update -- NCSL's final budget report of last fiscal year will be released at a press conference. NCSL President Angela Monson and Executive Director William Pound will present this report, and they will discuss state spending through the '90s. Wed., July 23, 10 a.m., Room 112, Exhibit Level, Moscone Center.

The American Economy in 2003 -- A man Bloomberg News has named one of the five most accurate economic forecasters in the nation will speak on the present and future economy. Dr. Sung Won Sohn is executive vice president and chief economic officer for Wells Fargo Banks in Minneapolis. He has also been a senior economist on the President's Council of Economic Advisors. Tues., July 22, 1:30- 3:00 p.m., Esplanade Ballroom, Street Level, Moscone Center.

When Can States Expect Relief? -- Despite some optimistic news, the health of the economy continues to challenge state finances. What's on the horizon for the national economy? When will economic recovery be felt at the state level? David Wyss, chief economist at Standard & Poor's, will address these and other questions. Wed., July 23, 2:15-4:15 p.m., Room 102, Exhibit Level, Moscone Center.

Can Sentencing Be Tough When Times Are? -- Tight state budgets are making it increasingly difficult for states to maintain the tough-on-crime policies of the past two decades. As lawmakers look for ways to trim budgets, some are reviewing and revising criminal sentences. This session will highlight some recent state actions and explore whether states can be "smart on crime" without compromising public safety. Wed., July 23, 2:15-4:15 p.m., Room 130, Exhibit Level, Moscone Center.

Getting the Most for Our Money -- State legislative auditors and evaluators have saved millions and made critical contributions to improve government operations. This session will present state auditors' findings, ideas and strategies for keeping government effective and efficient. Thurs., July 24, 10:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m., Room 122, Exhibit Level, Moscone Center.

If you haven't registered for the annual meeting yet, instructions are on NCSL's Web site, at http://www.ncsl.org/programs/press/2003/am03.htm.

NCSL is a bipartisan organization serving the legislators and legislative staff of 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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