June 26, 2008
State Legislators Lead the Way in Solving Most Pressing Issues
Annual Gathering at Legislative Summit will Detail Progress Made, Challenges Ahead
DENVER - Many states face mounting budget shortfalls coupled with rising energy and fuel costs while trying to maintain essential programs. As a result, state legislators are developing innovative policy solutions to these and other challenges.
Each year, the nation’s state legislators get together for an annual business meeting, called the Legislative Summit. It's a time for state lawmakers from all 50 states to share their ideas to address issues ranging from health care reform and education to transportation and climate change. Additionally, they will discuss ways in which they can work with the federal government to avoid costly and burdensome unfunded federal mandates.
"The Legislative Summit is four days of intense policy discussions for legislators, their staff and professionals who are leading the way in creating positive change for states and the nation," said William T. Pound, executive director of the National Conference of State Legislatures. "The policy sessions, speakers and networking promote collaboration among the states at a time when Congress is deeply divided in partisan rancor."
This year marks the 34th annual National Conference of State Legislature's Legislative Summit. An estimated 6,000 legislators, legislative staff, business representatives, government officials, and others interested in public policy will attend the Legislative Summit from July 22-26 in New Orleans where both Republicans and Democrats work together to make states strong.
More than 150 policy sessions are on the agenda ranging from state budget conditions and immigration reform to rising fuel costs and the sub-prime mortgage crisis. The Legislative Summit will be at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in downtown New Orleans.
Keynote speakers include Newt Gingrich and Lee Hamilton, who will discuss how to move America beyond gridlock to solve the nation's biggest issues including health care, education and the environment. Additionally, Marvin Odum, president of Shell Oil Company will address the nation's current and future energy needs.
Other notable sessions include:
- The Impact of the Economic Downturn on Education Budgets and What to Do About It
- Is the Presidential Primary Process Broken?
- Election Fraud and the Debate Over Voter ID
- Immigrants and Economics: What's the Bottom Line?
- Presidential Candidates' Views on Education
- A New Life for Online Government
Members of the media are invited to attend what has been dubbed the most important policy conference of the year. During the meeting, there also will be several press conferences to release NCSL reports, including an update on state budget conditions and immigration legislation in the states. The majority of the press conferences will be in the Press Conference Room, in Room 213 on the Second Level of the Morial Convention Center.
Registration is free for credentialed members of the media. Reporters are encouraged to pre-register online, but can register onsite in the Press Room, in Room 211, also on the Second Floor of the Convention Center. All media credentials will be handed out in the Press Room. Additionally, policy experts, state legislators and speakers will be made available for one-on-one interviews with the media. Schedules will be posted in the press room.
NCSL is the bipartisan organization that serves the legislators and staff 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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