January 31, 2008
In This Edition: Farm Bill, Traffic Safety Legislation Database, Presidential and State Elections, an Update on the Energy Bill and Legislative Webcasts
Capitol Ideas is a periodic listing of story ideas and background information from new NCSL research. For more information, contact NCSL's Press Room.
Farm Bill
What is next? Leaders of the House and Senate Agriculture Committees reportedly met in late December to establish a framework and timetable for ironing out differences between the House and Senate bills by next month. Once this report is finalized, it must be approved by the House and Senate and sent to President Bush for his signature or veto. Both versions of the bill face veto threats from the White House because of differences regarding specific provisions (especially payment limits); overall spending increases; and spending offsets found to accomplish this new spending.
Traffic Safety Legislation Database
Bookmark this page on your newsroom computer! The National Conference of State Legislatures works in cooperation with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to bring you up to date, real time information about traffic safety bills that have been introduced in the fifty states and the District of Columbia.
Presidential Primary Calendar
As it stands right now 34 states will hold presidential primaries or caucuses on or before February 5, with 24 of these contests to be held on February 5. All dates are subject to change, and a handful of states, including Michigan and New Hampshire, are virtually certain to change their dates. Also make sure to visit NCSL's State Vote homepage to find out how many state legislative seats will be up for grab, along with the dates for upcoming state primaries and state run offs.
Energy Bill
President Bush signed HR 6, the Energy Independence & Security Act of 2007, into law on December 19, 2007. Read the legislative recap, the summary, and what is to come in 2008 for states and local government.
Legislative Webcasts
The number of states that provide live broadcasts of their proceedings over the Internet and television continues to grow. At least 28 states and D.C. broadcast some legislative proceedings on television. An easy to read guide of what states offer is available here.
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.
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