September 10, 2008
In This Issue: Predictions for Battleground States and Ballot Measures; Federal Highway Trust Fund Runs Out of Gas; Legislators Go Back to School; Health Information on the Internet; And 'Did You Know' This?
Capitol Ideas is a periodic listing of story ideas and background information from new NCSL research. For more information, contact NCSL's Press Team.
NCSL Election Experts Analyze Statehouse Issues on the November Ballot
The 2008 legislative elections will bring major change for state legislatures across the country with more than 75 percent of all seats to be decided. Democrats head into the election holding 55 percent of all seats after a big victory in the last round. The GOP may be poised to win back power lost in 2006. Also, 2008 is critical because 642 state senators will be elected who will be in office for the 2010 redistricting--the redistricting ground war starts in earnest this year. Also, energy and the environment, immigration, election processes and same-sex marriage are on state ballots in November. To get the latest information on these and other election-related issues, join NCSL election experts in a live Webinar on Thursday, Sept. 11 from 1 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. EDT. The Webinar is free for registered news media.
Transportation Fund Runs Out of Gas
Just last week, the Department of Transportation said the Highway Trust Fund would run out of money by Oct. 1. That means state road and highway projects won't receive federal money, which could delay or postpone projects and jeopardize 485,000 jobs. NCSL sent a letter to congressional leaders urging immediate action to prevent this shortfall. On Tuesday, Senate leaders from both parties agreed to move on the House-passed legislation that would transfer $8 billion from the general fund to the Highway Trust Fund. And NCSL adopted a policy urging Congress to consider raising the federal gas tax as a short-term solution to fund highway projects and then develop new funding strategies to keep the Highway Trust Fund solvent for years to come.
Legislators Get on the Bus and Go Back to School
Beginning the third week of September and continuing throughout the school year, state legislators from across the country head back into the classroom. Through the America's Legislators Back to School Program, elected officials meet personally with young constituents in local schools. State legislators answer the children's questions, share ideas, listen to concerns and impart a greater understanding of the legislative process to engage the youngsters. Each year since 1999, more than 1,200 state lawmakers visit classrooms all across the country to talk about the legislative process. To find a local legislator participating in the program, contact your state coordinator.
Health Information Technology Highlights Role of State Legislatures
As the health sector continues its slow march into the electronic age, many new questions arise for state legislators. To realize the full benefit of electronic records a system that ensures records remain private will have to be established. What is the state role in establishing and supporting this type of system that facilitates health information exchange? How will states structure oversight for these new entities? A series of webinars discussed the role of health information technology in transforming health care. Audio recordings are available online highlighting state efforts to improve quality and reduce costs in health care. Topics include state financing efforts, e-prescribing and accountability in the digital age. This series is part of NCSL's work with the State Alliance for e-Health.
Did you know?
Congress is considering a second stimulus package to forestall further economic downturn. Why? Previous economic downturns demonstrate that states will continue to feel the negative effects well after economic factors rebound nationally. And, there appears to be initial, albeit incomplete, indications that the first stimulus package was helpful. Learn more about this and NCSL efforts to work with Congress on a second stimulus package.
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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