The Conference Report podcast is a regular production of the National Conference of State Legislatures' Public Affairs program. We welcome radio news organizations to rebroadcast all or part of the Conference Report.
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DATE |
STORY DESCRIPTIONS & DOWNLOAD LINKS |
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12/12/06 |
State revenues remain stable for the most part. But in a few places, collections in individual tax categories are not living up to expectations, according to the latest survey of state fiscal offices by the National Conference of State Legislatures. Hear from Corina Eckl, NCSL director of fiscal affairs. (6:18)
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9/25/2006 |
Media coverage of state legislatures has been in sharp decline over the past decade. Listen to perspectives from statehouse journalists on many of the challenges they face on a daily basis. (7:13) |
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7/17/2006 |
With the proliferation of cell phones and other technologies that drivers can use while they're behind the wheel, distracted driving has become an issue state legislatures are examining. In 2006 sessions, 38 states considered distracted driving legislation. Hear from NCSL transportation policy expert Matt Sundeen, Nebraska Senator Jim Cudaback and CTIA, The Wireless Association spokesman John Walls. (6:20) |
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6/7/2006 |
Telecommunications technology is changing rapidly but taxes on telecom services are not. Find out how telecommunications tax reform could save consumers but cost local governments. Telecommunications Tax Reform 5:20
Childhood obesity has become an epidemic in the United States. Researchers say that more children are obese today than ever before. What can be done about this costly issue? How are families coping? Childhood Obesity 9:29 |
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5/18/2006 |
Constituents are complaining to their state legislators about the high cost of gasoline. What are the policy options for legislatures? Listen as NCSL experts explain the effect on energy policies. Gasoline Prices 5:04
Public reaction to an avian flu outbreak overseas has sparked intense public interest over the government's ability to prepare for a potential outbreak on American shores. NCSL policy experts describe the steps states are taking to prepare and hear how the federal government's strategies might have a negative effect on those plans. Avian Flu 5:28 |
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5/5/2006 |
Immigration is in national consciousness this week, as protesters boycotted work, schools and shops Monday and rallied in cities across the country. Hear how federal immigration reforms could affect states. Immigration 4:38
And take a tour of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Learn how experts there can pinpoint the location of child pornography victims, how they age progress photos of missing kids, and age regress pictures of police officers who lure pedophiles in chat rooms. Missing Kids 7:48
Rotunda Wrap-Up 1:05 |
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4/17/2006 |
State legislators are concerned about the growing trend of federal regulators preempting state laws. Georgia Senator Don Balfour and New York Senator Michael Balboni discuss the issue. Preemption 4:18
Scandals in Washington, D.C. and at home have caused states to consider reforming their lobbying laws. NCSL's Center for Ethics in Government has counted 70 bills on lobbying in 23 states. Hear from Center Director Peggy Kerns, state lawmakers from Tennessee and Minnesota and a Tennessee lobbyist. Lobbying Laws 5:16
Rotunda Wrap-Up 1:03 |
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3/23/2006 |
The Supreme Court's decision in Kelo v. New London set off a political firestorm. The issue of eminent domain has figured prominently in a majority of state legislatures this year. Larry Morandi, NCSL's land use expert, talks about how state legislators are responding to their constituents' concerns. Eminent Domain 5:35
Members of Congress continue to export the federal deficit to the states. Since 2004, state legislatures have had to cover more than $75 billion worth of federal unfunded mandates and cost shifts. NCSL's federal budget expert Molly Ramsdell talks about reducing the federal burden on states. Unfunded Mandates 5:10
Rotunda Wrap-Up 1:25 |
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3/8/2006 |
States are grappling with a host of issues as they begin to implement the federal REAL ID Act. From non-existent databases to the lack of funding, states will be hard pressed to meet the stringent implementation deadlines set forth in law. Michael Bird, NCSL's federal affairs counsel, talks about the challenges facing states. REAL ID 4:18
The 2006 state legislative elections could be a thriller as 85 percent of legislative seats expire. With near perfect parity among the political parties, could 2006 be the year that one party breaks through? NCSL elections expert Tim Storey provides an insider's perspective. 2006 Elections 3:18
Rotunda Wrap-Up 2:10 | |
Contacts
Bill Wyatt
Director of Media Relations
Washington, D.C.
202-624-8667
Nicole Casal Moore
Public Affairs Manager
Denver
303-364-7700
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