November 26, 2007
In This Edition: Protecting Critical Energy Infrastructure, Complete Streets and Keeping Teens in High School
Capitol Ideas is a periodic listing of story ideas and background information for journalists based on new NCSL research.
Each of the topics below is highlighted in NCSL's LegisBrief series. LegisBriefs are concise, easy-to-read and informative two-page reports. The goal of LegisBrief is to give reporters a wealth of insight into the issues that affect us all. For members of the press to obtain a copy of a LegisBrief topic, contact NCSL's Media Manager, Meagan Dorsch.
Protecting Critical Energy Infrastructure
Blueprints of power plants and detailed maps of gas/electric lines must be protected from natural disasters and terrorist attacks. Protecting critical energy infrastructure is a major concern for states and this report describes how sharing information may be our best defense.
Keeping Teens in High School
Approximately 7,000 students drop out every school day and more than 1 million ninth grade students quit before they graduate high school. The social and economic costs of high school dropouts are staggering. In this report, learn why three R's could be the key to dropout prevention in your state.
Complete Streets
If you don't think obesity and pollution can be linked to the condition of the roads in your city, think again. Complete streets policy includes the needs of bike riders, pedestrians and vehicles in planning decisions. Find out which 10 states have some form of policy in place and how federal legislation is hindering progress at the state level.
NCSL's 50 State Legislative Tracking Web Resource
NCSL has developed this resource of 50-state compilations covering various issues that concern state legislators and legislative staff. Here you will find a topical, alphabetical listing of legislative and statutory databases, compilations and state charts/maps.
Other LegisBrief topics this month include:
State Policies to Support Adolescents- Find out what programs states have in place to help young adults learn good decision making.
Juggling or Balancing: The Dilemma of Dual Office-Holding- Could you hold two jobs at once? It's hard to do and most states say no to legislators holding a second elected office, paid or unpaid. Learn the three main approaches states have taken to restrict dual office-holding.
State Primary Election Systems- Learn the different types of state primary election systems and why Washington's top-two primary system is under U.S. Supreme Court review.
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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