Taking the Tax Pledge
Americans for Tax Reform encourages legislators and members of Congress (not to mention the president) to sign on to the tax pledge, a solemn commitment to oppose any and all tax increases. The tax pledge has appealed to many Americans and has helped change the national political landscape. Hear its creator, Grover Norquist, and a state legislator, West Virginia Delegate John Doyle debate the tax pledge. 2:45 - 4:15 pm, Wednesday, Aug. 16, Tennessee Ballroom C
Money and Politics
As ethical scandals about campaign contributions and influence-buying swirl around Washington, D.C., states once again take the lead in finding new solutions to an old problem. This session will highlight states' innovative ideas for regulating money in politics and the role of lobbyists in fundraising and campaigns. 2:45 - 4:15 pm, Wednesday, Aug. 16, Lincoln A.
Eminent Domain: Not in My Front Yard
A recent Supreme Court decision on state and local governments’ ability to use eminent domain for economic development purposes touched off a firestorm of state legislative activity. Learn how legislatures define “public use” and find out how eminent domain can be used for economic development purposes. 2:45 - 4:15 pm, Wednesday, Aug. 16, Jackson F.
Consumers and Wireless Communications
As more and more consumers have complained about contracts with cell phone service providers, some legislatures have begun considering a consumers' bill of rights. This session will also discuss cell phone contracts and the congressional effort to preempt all such state laws. 1:30-3 pm, Tuesday, Aug. 15, Delta Ballroom C.
An Ever Changing Climate
2005 was an epic year for climate change policy. From the Northeast's Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative to the U.S. Mayors' Climate Protection Agreement, bipartisan efforts are being made to curb emissions of greenhouse gases throughout the nation while maintaining both energy and economic independence. This session will explore the various efforts being made. 2:15 - 4 pm, Thursday, Aug. 17, Bayou C/D.
Not Without My Dog: Animal Rescue in Disasters
The heart-wrenching images of families being separated from their pets after Hurricane Katrina and in some cases, refusing to evacuate without their beloved pets, taught us that comprehensive emergency management plans need to include animal rescue. Learn what states must to ensure that they are prepared to care for pets during a disaster. Discover what resources are available from the federal government to help with the costs and what your state can do to get its fair share. 4:15 - 5:30 pm, Thursday, Aug. 17, Governor's Ballroom D.
Legislative Documents as Public Records: Why? Why Not?
Freedom of information laws were created to facilitate public scrutiny of governmental operations - to provide assurance that government is responsive and responsible to the needs of people. Supreme Court decisions over the years, however, have established that privacy is a basic human right. Finding the balance between openness and privacy can be difficult. Join a discussion about the extent to which legislative documents should be public records. 3:15 - 5 pm, Tuesday, Aug. 15, Tennessee Ballroom D.
The Costs of REAL ID
Last year, Congress enacted the most onerous unfunded federal mandate since the No Child Left Behind Act. REAL ID requires states to re-issue more than 240 million drivers licenses in accordance with stringent federal standards. NCSL, the National Governors Association and the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators will discuss the associated costs. Find out how much your state is on the hook for. 2:15 - 4 pm, Thursday, Aug. 17, Bayou A
The Future of State Budgets
After several years of difficult decisions, many state budgets are operating in the black once again. But how long can states keep their budgets balanced as spending pressures rise and federal support decreases? 2:45 - 4:15 pm, Wednesday, Aug. 16, Tennessee Ballroom A.
Streamlined Sales Tax: Is It Working?
Nineteen states have joined the Streamlined Sales Tax Agreement and have changed their sales tax codes to make them more efficient. Find out how this interstate compact is working and how much increased revenue could be headed to your state. 1 - 2:30 pm, Wednesday, Aug. 16, Jackson C/D
