April 14, 2008
LegisBriefs: Preparing School Leaders, Solar Energy, Ignition Interlocks, Managing E-waste and Rainy Day Funds
Capitol Ideas is a periodic listing of story ideas and background information from 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 free copy of LegisBriefs, contact NCSL's Press Team.
Preparing High-Quality School Leaders Vital for Student Achievement
Parents know firsthand the importance of school leaders -- principals and superintendents -- to the success of a particular school. Echoing this sentiment, recent studies found leadership to be second only to classroom instruction among all school-related factors that contribute to student learning, especially in high-need schools. More than 40 states have adopted standards for school leaders that were established by the Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium (ISLLC). However, 80 percent of superintendents and 69 percent of principals think that leadership training does not address the realities of today's school districts.
Solar Energy Heats Up Renewable Sources Debate
Solar power: Using energy from the sun to heat, cool and power homes and businesses is proving reliable in many states. Although solar is a safe and clean energy alternative, several barriers remain to widespread adoption. Costs are higher than for conventional energy sources or wind, partially due to the demand for solar panels. The top solar energy producing states are California, New Jersey and New York, mainly due to their aggressive incentive programs. Twenty-three states and the District of Columbia have renewable portfolio standards that require electric utilities to generate a specific amount of electricity from renewable sources.
Ignition Interlock Laws Reduce Repeat Drunk Driving Offenses
While the number of alcohol-related car crashes remains staggering, state lawmakers are using ignition interlock devices to try to reduce drunken driving. Forty-five states have some form of ignition interlock law, but fewer than half of them make them mandatory. Ignition interlocks significantly reduced subsequent drunk driving offenses, but once the ignition interlock device is removed, studies show the recidivism rate gradually increases to previous rates.
Osteoporosis Prevention at the State Level
An estimated 10 million Americans are living with osteoporosis, a disease that weakens bones and joints through decreased bone mass. At least 35 states have laws relating to osteoporosis; most address prevention and public awareness. Education and prevention campaigns usually focus on early detection using bone mass measurement, and some also address fall prevention to reduce the risk of fractures. Some states have addressed access to care and quality of care issues. At least 13 states passed legislation that requires insurance plans to cover osteoporosis diagnosis and treatment.
Reduce, Re-Use and Recycle: Managing E-Waste
Consumers who buy the latest cell phones, computers and flat-screen TVs are filling landfills with their unwanted goods in the form of e-waste. Everything from obsolete, broken or unwanted TVs, computers, monitors, cell phones, printers, copiers, scanners, fax machines, stereos and video gaming systems inundate landfills across the country. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that in 2005, the United States generated 2.63 million tons of e-waste. A startling 87.5 percent of that went into landfills or was burned in incinerators; only 12.5 percent was recycled. To address this issue, 10 states created statewide e-waste recycling programs; Connecticut, Minnesota, North Carolina, Oregon and Texas passed laws in 2007. New Jersey passed its first e-waste law this year, and bills currently are pending in 12 states regarding who should be responsible for e-waste disposal.
State Rainy Day Funds
Florida enacted the first Rainy Day Fund in 1959. Now, nearly 50 years later, these budget stabilization funds exist in nearly every state and the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S Virgin Islands. Only Arkansas, Kansas and Montana do not have one. Rainy day funds differ in function from state to state, but share a common purpose: When capacity to generate revenue is strong, states save the surplus in a permanent fund for use when revenue generation is weak. Conversely, when states need to address budget deficits, rainy day funds—along with spending cuts—usually are first in the line of relief measures.
For members of the press to obtain a free copy of a LegisBrief, contact NCSL's Press Team.
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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