DENVER - States play a role in stopping terrorists, in making sure Americans have access to affordable prescription drugs and in trading with other nations. Learn the latest developments on these and a host of other pressing policy debates at the National Conference of State Legislatures' Annual Meeting in Salt Lake City July 19-23. More than 150 policy sessions will shed light on today's issues including higher education, the film industry, jobs, obesity and elections. The meeting aims to help state legislators share knowledge with each other. It is also a valuable resource for reporters. Below are 11 sessions you don't want to miss.
Is There a Future for Public Higher Education? Most states have cut funding for higher education, and some are looking at dramatically different ways of funding it. What should the state commitment should be? Legislators, university presidents and trustees will discuss the role of the state in public higher education. Tuesday, July 20, 10:15 a.m.-noon in Room 251 AB.
Ten Critical Issues Facing State Legislatures in the Next Five Years: A Roundtable. In an informal survey, legislative fiscal staff identified what they expect to be big issues in state legislatures during the next five years. These issues will be explored at a facilitated discussion. Wednesday, July 21, 3:15-5 p.m. in Room 251 AB.
Jobs and the New Economy. David A. Wyss, chief economist at Standard & Poor's, and John Castellani, president of the Business Roundtable, will share their views on the economy, the prospects for employment growth, the role that outsourcing jobs is playing in this economy, and what they expect in the future. Tuesday, July 20, 8:30-10 a.m. in Ballroom A - D.
Stopping Terrorists with Intelligence. The U.S. Patriot Act is both defended as an important anti-terrorism tool, and criticized as concerning criminal investigation, not homeland security. This session explores the tools and the trade-offs of anti-terrorist intelligence. Wednesday, July 21, 10-11:30 a.m. in Room 250 AB.
Affordable Pharmaceuticals: the States and Medicare. How is the new Medicare prescription drug benefit affecting state governments? What pharmaceutical policy decisions are states making in their Medicaid, discount and subsidy programs to accommodate or go beyond the new law? Who really will pay the bills? This session examines the issues and the ways states are dealing with them. Thursday, July 22, 8:30-10:30 a.m. in Ballroom H.
Fighting Obesity in Schools, Workplaces and Communities. Obesity cost the nation $117 billion in 2000. To address obesity-induced heart disease, diabetes, cancer and stroke, policymakers can encourage physical activity and good nutrition. This session explains why obesity costs money and offers possible ways for policymakers to address the issue. Thursday, July 22, 10:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. in Ballroom G.
Hollywood, Bollywood or Canada: Is America Losing the Film Industry? For years, Hollywood was where movies were made, but now studios are filming movies abroad. The resulting job and revenue loss is substantial. This session focuses on state initiatives to encourage local film production as an economic development tool. Wednesday, July 21, 7:30-9:30 a.m. in Room 260.
State of Unions: Efforts to Define Marriage. This session explores the spectrum of gay marriage legislation - from allowing it, to bypassing it through domestic partnership laws, to banning it outright. If Congress were to submit a constitutional amendment to define marriage to the states for ratification, every state legislature would have to deal with this issue. Thursday, July 22, 2:15-3:45 p.m. in Ballroom J.
Election 2004: Insight, Analysis, Perspective. From the White House to the Statehouse, the results of November's elections will shape all approaches to America's issues. Bill Kristol, editor of the Weekly Standard, is well-known as a shrewd political observer and commentator. Donna Brazile, Al Gore's campaign manager in 2000, knows politics from the trenches as well as from the towers of CNN and the talk shows. If anyone can tell you what will happen in November 2004, it's this pair. Friday, July 23, 8:30-10 a.m. in Ballroom A - D.
NAFTA at 10: What it Means for States. In 10 years, NAFTA has brought the United States gains and losses. Trade is up, but jobs have moved. States have modified or eliminated laws viewed as barriers to trade. This session examines NAFTA and how the trade agreement has changed state policies. Thursday, July 22, 2:15-3:45 p.m. in 250 F.
Making Sure It's Really You. Vulnerabilities in identification systems have led to stolen identities, substantial commercial losses, and public safety and national security breaches. This session explores policy options for creating effective, secure identification systems that support commerce and combat crime. Wednesday, July 22, 1:15-3 p.m. in Ballroom I.
Attendance at NCSL's Annual Meeting is free to credentialed members of the media. It's not too late to register. The meeting will be at the Salt Palace Convention Center.
NCSL is the bipartisan organization that serves the legislators and staffs of the states, commonwealths and territories. It provides research, technical assistance and opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas on the most pressing state issues and is an effective and respected advocate for the interests of the states in the American federal system.
