August 9, 2007
 Stone to Lead National Legislative Organization
BOSTON - Delaware Representative Donna Stone has taken the helm as president of the National Conference of State Legislatures, a bipartisan organization that serves the nation's 7,382 state lawmakers.
As the voice of state legislatures within our nation’s federal system of government, NCSL is poised to tackle many challenges during Representative Stone’s 12-month tenure as president.
“The relationship between the states and the federal government is at a critical juncture,” said Stone who became the second Delaware legislator to lead the organization. “Congress’ inability to address the nation’s most pressing problems leaves it all up to state legislators. I’m excited to work with my colleagues around the country to facilitate the exchange of ideas to address these issues.”
Strapped by a burgeoning federal deficit, Congress and the administration has shifted more than $100 billion worth of federal responsibilities to the states over the past four years. Federal programs such as the Real ID Act, No Child Left Behind, special education and homeland security are taking a toll on state budgets. Additionally, states continue to be adversely affected by Congress’ inaction on immigration reform.
Representative Stone will play a key role in advocating the organization’s priorities over the next year including:
- Federal funding of the Real ID Act, a measure to standardize state-issued driver’s licenses;
- Enactment of the Sales Tax Fairness and Simplification Act, an effort to give states the authority to require retailers to collect sales taxes on online, catalogue and other remote sales;
- Reauthorization with state-friendly changes of the No Child Left Behind Act.
Representative Stone, a Republican, succeeds Texas Senator Leticia Van de Putte, a Democrat, to the post of NCSL president. The position alternates between the two parties each year.
“Representative Stone brings a great deal of enthusiasm and experience to the position,” said NCSL Executive Director William Pound. “Her effective leadership style will prove to be a valuable asset to the organization and to state legislators in all 50 states.”
Representative Stone was first elected to the Delaware House of Representatives in 1994. She serves as the chair of the House Economic Development, Banking and Insurance Committee and served as chair of NCSL’s Financial Services Committee. Her legislative district encompasses portions of Dover and surrounding areas.
NCSL is a 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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