NCSL's Guide to Leaders and Legislatures 2008
Published February 2008
LEGISLATORS AND STAFF:
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Preface
When legislators and legislative staff gather for the 2008 NCSL Legislative Summit in New Orleans, Louisiana, the theme of the week will be Strong States, Strong Nation. As is proven year after year, strong states create a strong nation and provide many outlets for pressure, tension and innovation within our government system. Without strong and innovative states, the “laboratories of democracy,” as described by Justice Louis Brandeis, would not be able to experiment and develop policy initiatives on a smaller and more manageable level.
Lawmakers will be busy in their laboratories this year, as we are sure to see new developments in the following areas of national concern:
• Immigration
• The cost of health care
• Energy and the environment
• Homeland security and standardized ID cards
• Financing America’s roads and infrastructure
• Education
• Pension plans
Every year, state legislatures take the lead in policy areas that the federal government has overlooked or left unfinished. This book is a directory of those who lead the leaders: the Speakers of the House, Senate Presidents, Majority and Minority Leaders who guide their chambers toward producing innovative policies that serve the interests of the American People. It also provides a look at the work of NCSL, the organization that brings all the laboratories together.
William Pound
NCSL Executive Director
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