April 17, 2008

Nation's State Legislators Descend on Washington to Tout Reform

From immigration to budgets to REAL ID, state leaders lobby Congress for change

WASHINGTON- With the U.S. economy in the doldrums, state legislators from across the country are discussing cost-effective ways to invigorate budgets, improve health care quality and finance much-needed infrastructure projects. The National Conference of State Legislatures will host its annual Spring Forum where legislators will share ideas, strategies and best practices as well as hear the latest happenings on Capitol Hill.

NCSL's Spring Forum will take place at the Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill, 400 New Jersey Avenue NW from April 24-26. In addition to sessions covering REAL ID, immigration and Medicaid regulations, Sen. Lamar Alexander and Rep. Barney Frank will give key note addresses on the effectiveness of the state-federal partnership and the home mortgage foreclosure situation. Also, European Union's Ambassador to the United States, John Bruton will speak at Saturday's general session breakfast.

Media Events:

Release of State Budget Update: State finances are weakening, according to reports by legislative fiscal directors. On the other hand, several states are reaping the rewards of high oil prices. Find out in this quarterly update of state budget performance which states' revenues met expectations and which didn't. Report will be available at a news event 10 a.m., Friday, April 25 at the Hall of States, 444 North Capitol Street, NW.
Release of State Immigration Activity Update: Similar to 2007, this year states are considering an array of legislation regarding immigration. This report will update the numbers of immigration-related bills introduced and enacted in state legislatures during 2008. Report will be available at a news event at 10 a.m., Thursday, April 24 at the Hall of States, 444 North Capitol Street, NW.

Spring Forum highlights include:

Federalism and State Activity: Senator Lamar Alexander, former governor of Tennessee and now chair of the Republican Senate Conference, has seen federalism issues from both the state and federal perspectives. In his keynote discussion, he will address his concerns including Real ID, Internet taxation, the Federal Consent Decrees Fairness Act, and flexibility in the No Child Left Behind act. Thursday, April 24 in the Ticon/Yorktown/Valley Rooms, 4:00 - 5 p.m.
Home Mortgage Foreclosures: Representative Barney Frank, chairman of the House Financial Services Committee and a member of Congress since 1981, will address the subprime mortgage situation, the federal stimulus package, the government role in regulating financial services in the global economy, and states' future role in insurance regulation. Friday, April 25 in the Regency A Room, 8:30 a.m. - 9 a.m.
The European Union's ambassador to the United States: John Bruton, is a former Irish prime minister, who helped transform the Irish economy into the "Celtic Tiger," one of the fastest growing economies in the world. Since taking up his position in Washington in 2004, Bruton has had one-on-one meetings with more than 250 members of Congress to explain EU developments and discuss the importance of the EU-US relationship in matters of trade, counterterrorism, public health, energy, the environment and the promotion of peace, democracy and human rights around the world. Saturday, April 26 in the Hyatt–Columbia ABC, 8 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Water Resources: Water policy was once primarily a Western issue, but droughts in the East and rapid population growth in many states have made water a key issue nationally. How do legislatures address the issue of water and energy production, agricultural and environmental needs, and what comes out of our faucets? Friday, April 25 in the Columbia A Room, 3 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Medicaid Update from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services: Kerry Weems, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C., will provide an update for states that will be moderated by Assemblyman Herb C. Conaway Jr., New Jersey, chair of NCSL's Health Committee. Thursday, April 24 Hyatt–Lexington/Bunker Hill, 1 p.m.
REAL ID: Final Rules . . . State Responses: The Department of Homeland Security published final regulations for state implementation of REAL ID in the Jan. 29, 2008, Federal Register. While the regulations offered many "fixes" NCSL sought, DHS still estimated state costs of implementation to be just under $4 billion. This session will review the final rules, the flexibilities they provide for state implementation, DHS' new cost estimate, and state responses thus far. Thursday, April 24, Congressional B Room, 1:15 pm - 2:15 pm.
Smart Electric Grid Forum: Legislators and other energy leaders will learn about U.S. grid modernization, including growth in demand, the critical importance of power quality and reliability, aging workforce and assets, physical and cyber security of the electric infrastructure, and environmental and cost pressures. Thursday, April 24, Capitol Hilton 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
NCSL Foundation Partners Project on Transportation Finance: Public Private Partnerships?: The NCSL Foundation for State Legislatures is convening this "scoping meeting" to assess interest in establishing a Partners Project related to Public Private Partnerships. Thursday, April 24, Hyatt Bryce Room, 8 a.m. - 9 a.m.
Covering High-Cost, High-Risk People: Whose Responsibility?: State interest in both health "reform" and health cost savings creates special challenges for covering patients considered "high risk" and high cost. The sickest 10 percent of our population often cost tens of thousands of dollars annually, accounting for more 60 percent of U.S. health spending. What are the roles of state-sponsored high-risk pools, the health insurance industry, government, providers and the high-cost individuals themselves in providing and paying for care? Friday, April 25, Hyatt Lexington/Bunker Room, 3 p.m. - 4 p.m.

A complete agenda is available online.

Members of the media are invited to attend. Media can register online or onsite, there is no registration fee for reporters. Media is asked to check in at the NCSL registration desk to obtain a press badge. Please drop by the Press Room, located in the Hyatt Grand-Canyon Room.

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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Contacts

Michelle Blackston
Director of Media and Public Affairs
Washington, D.C.
202-624-8667

Meagan Dorsch
Media Manager
Denver
303-856-1412

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