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This meeting is designed for state policymakers and will focus on issues related to health reform and women's health. The agenda will include presentations from national and state experts about a high-performance health care system that includes high-quality of care; good access to care; better health system capacity; increased efficiency; chronic disease management and prevention; good use of health information technology; and other issues important to reforming the health care system. Preregistration is required. Contact Joanne Stroud at (303) 856-1538 or joanne.stroud@ncsl.org.
NCSL gratefully acknowledges the support of the Commonwealth Fund.
The Institute on Nuclear Energy will convene state energy leaders to hear the latest from national experts on nuclear energy. Policymakers will learn more about the status and challenges for new power plants, including financing options; relicensing of existing plants; strengthening community relationships; and managing used fuel, including storage, reprocessing, disposal and transportation. Participants also will have an opportunity to share state perspectives and consider potential policy options to meet future energy challenges.
Nuclear energy provides almost 20 percent of U.S. consumption. With electricity demand on the rise and the need for less carbon-intensive energy into the future, nuclear power is being considered in the states. What's the potential for new nuclear generation? What is the availability of fuel? What are the environmental implications? How do other countries use nuclear power? This session will provide a foundation for nuclear energy.
Room A New nuclear plants; today’s new generation plants: design and operation Relicensing of existing nuclear reactors Room B Used nuclear fuel: storage, disposal, reprocessing and transportation Room C Loan guarantees and other financing issues for new nuclear reactors
This 1½ day meeting will give legislators an opportunity to learn about cardiovascular disease diagnosis and treatment from leading medical professionals. Doctors and professors with the Emory University School of Medicine will show catheterization procedures, discuss health care for women, seniors and minorities and highlight some of the opportunities and challenges facing the medical community. Legislators will also have a chance to tour the Emory Crawford Long Hospital and see innovative cardiac care equipment used by top physicians. To register and for more information, contact Shannon McNamara at shannon.mcnamara@ncsl.org.
NCSL gratefully acknowledges the support of AstraZeneca.
The Prekindergarten Institute will offer legislators the opportunity to engage with their peers from across the country in a high-level meeting on early education, specifically prekindergarten. The meeting will feature national and state experts and researchers and will address the latest research findings, early childhood advisory councils, and policy and funding options for early education initiatives in tough economic times. Preregistration is required. Contact Qiana Flores for more information at (303) 856-1540 or julie.poppe@ncsl.org.
Sponsored by the NCSL Children and Families Program and Education Program
This year's seminar will touch on all the pressing trade issues of interest to states today, including the U.S.-China trade relationship, the anticipated trade agenda of the newly elected president and Congress, and strategies for trade-based growth in this time of economic uncertainty. NCSL is pleased to again have the support of the National Governors Association, the State International Development Organizations, the National Center for State Courts, and the National Association of Attorneys General as co-convening organizations. The seminar is open to state government officials in all branches to discuss international trade and its state policy implications. Contact Diana Hinton Noel (diana.hinton@ncsl.org) or Paul Snow (paul.snow@ncsl.org) if you have any questions.
NCSL gratefully acknowledges the support of the Canadian Consulate General - Atlanta, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, National Association of Insurance Commissioners, FMC Corporation and Procter & Gamble.
Georgetown professor and trade policy expert Robert Stumberg will outline some of the basics state officials need to know about international trade, giving background on the specific trade policy areas that are of most concern to state policymakers.
U.S. exports boomed for a time under a weak dollar, but recent crises have put the brakes on export-led growth. Both in the United States and abroad, companies frightened by the global financial crisis are bracing for hard times and beginning to implement cutbacks. Learn about today's export prospects and what states can do to help businesses continue to “think globally.”
Learn from I.M. Destler, author of American Trade Politics, about the context for U.S. trade policy decision making and his thoughts on where states can play a more influential and constructive role.
The United States signed a number of trade agreements during the last eight years. Yet, people on both sides of the aisle accuse the administration of lax enforcement of the various provisions of these and prior agreements. Piracy and counterfeiting are particular concerns that cost U.S. businesses millions each year. How are states involved?
Trade came up several times in the election season, usually in a negative light. Speakers from academic, business and labor backgrounds outline where they think the new administration and Congress will put their priorities and how states’ role in trade policy might be viewed in 2009.
An open, special session for Health Chairs Project and Critical Health Areas Project (CHAP) members launching the Long-Term Care Reform Leadership Project, a collaboration between AARP and NCSL. The session will feature a presentation of a new NCSL issue brief on state efforts to balance long-term care services, a recent AARP report on long-term care reform, and two specific state long-term care initiatives. All legislators and staff interested in long-term care issues are welcome. Preregistration required. Contact Deborah Sward at (202) 624-3585 or deborah.sward@ncsl.org.
NCSL gratefully acknowledges the support of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the Kaiser Family Foundation and AARP.
The examples will be for a new NCSL issue brief on balancing and two state experiences (Iowa and New Jersey).
Preregistration is required. Contact Joanne Stroud at (303) 856-1538 or joanne.stroud@ncsl.org.
NCSL gratefully acknowledges the support of Novartis.
Standing Committee Officers and Foundation Gold and Platinum Sponsors Reception. By invitation only.
Visit us at the World of Coca Cola for a taste of one of the world's most successful companies. Connect with your colleagues from around the nation before the 2008 Fall Forum begins. There will be a continuous shuttle starting at 7:20 pm and the last shuttle leaving for the hotel at 9:30 pm.
This meeting is designed for state policymakers and will focus on issues related to women's health and chronic diseases. The agenda will include presentations from national and state experts about chronic disease management and prevention. Pre-registration is required. Contact Joanne Stroud at (303) 856-1538 or joanne.stroud@ncsl.org.
Legislators will tour the Level 5 CDC Laboratory where all incidents of chemical terrorism are analyzed. This lab studied the anthrax scares in 2001 and is responsible for all other types of chemical terrorism on the environment, from the release of poisonous gases to the detonation of a nuclear device. Legislators and legislative staff will learn about the CDC's preparedness to respond to these attacks and approaches states can take to ensure their labs can respond rapidly to any terrorist attacks tha use chemical agents.
NCSL gratefully acknowledges the support of the Association of Public Health Laboratories and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The program is continued from Wednesday.
Domestic and international events in financial markets and services are bringing legislative, legal and regulatory changes at breathtaking speed. The changes will affect the state role in financial services regulation, particularly with state-chartered banks, insurance, certain securities and trade in financial services. This session will explore developments both here and abroad and examine what may lie ahead for states.
Learn about the U.S.-China trade relationship and find out what states can or should expect from federal partners in dealing with China and other trading partners.
Following presentations on the current status of state-federal and provincial-federal relations in the United States and Canada, attendees will share their state activities related to international trade and discuss what can be done at the state and federal levels to ensure that state trade concerns are addressed.
This will be the initial meeting of the partnership. Breakfast will be served.
State legislatures today face the challenge of managing state prisons and supervision populations within strained state budgets. This session will discuss a policy framework developed by Pew's Public Safety Performance Project to help states craft data-driven sentencing and corrections policies.
NCSL gratefully acknowledges the support of Public Safety Performance Project of the Pew Center on the States.
This program is continued from Wednesday.
Board of Directors Meeting
State child welfare systems have a great new opportunity for federal funding to support kinship-subsidized guardianship programs, services for youth leaving foster care, and improved incentives for adoption. The new act also provides an option for states to support foster children until they reach age 21 and allows direct tribal access to foster care. National experts will discuss the opportunities and issues presented by the Fostering Connections to Success Act of 2008.
NCSL gratefully acknowledges the support of the Casey Family Programs.
Census Bureau staff will be available for technical discussions with legislative staff and legislators interested in the Voting District/Block Boundary Suggestion Program and other critical census operations.
Working group to address the complexities of regulation and taxation of the surplus lines market.
Broadband is a key ingredient for economic success, and policymakers and businesses are exploring new strategies to deliver high-speed access to underserved locations. Learn about recent broadband incentive projects that improve the lives of rural community citizens, provide expanded on-line opportunities for children, and create economic success stories for low-income families.
NCSL gratefully acknowledges the support of the Annie E. Casey Partnership on Family Economic Success.
States devote millions of dollars to attract jobs, retain businesses and maintain healthy economies. Are there lessons to be learned from these efforts? This session will consider whether economic development success can be measured, identified and repeated.
Sponsored by the NCSL Foundation Economic Development Partners
Business meeting
Improving the number of citizens who obtain a college degree is one of the most challenging issues facing the states and the nation. What will be required of state and higher education leaders if we are to improve our national performance particularly as we enter uncertain economic and fiscal times? The committee joins trustees, presidents, state higher education executives and other state policymakers in a discussion of this important question. Lunch will be provided. Committee members will walk to the Marriott Atlanta Downtown Hotel for this session.
NCSL gratefully acknowledges the support of the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges.
Twenty-two states have complied with the Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement and more than 1,100 out-of-state sellers are collecting sales taxes for these states. The Sales Tax Fairness and Simplification Act has been introduced in Congress with bipartisan support. This session will examine the prospects for passage in the 111th Congress and provide an update on state efforts for 2009.
The committee will convene with introductions and a brief roundtable on state transportation issues, followed by a session examining state strategies to increase and more wholly integrate modes of transport such as light rail, bus rapid transit, bicycle commuting, streetcars, and walking into the transportation system.
All standing committee staff officers are invited to attend.
November's election included record numbers of early and absentee ballots, as well as high profile recounts and voter registration problems. What aspects of the elections process will legislatures focus on when they look back at the lessons learned in November 2008?
In August 2006, the Georgia Institute of Technology broke ground on the $90 million Marcus Nanotechnology Research Center as part of a public-private partnership with the state of Georgia. Now open, the Center is a one-of-a-kind facility comprised of 30,000 square feet of cleanroom space and the first designed to provide significant space for applying nanoscience and nanotechnology to biotechnology. The Center's experts will lead a guided tour for committee members. Space is limited. **Preregistration is required. Contact Robert Strange at (202) 624-5400 or robert.strange@ncsl.org by Thursday, December 4.**
The path to a secure and sustainable energy future requires a multi-faceted approach that accommodates present needs and ensures adequate energy for future generations. To move toward energy sustainability, both the private and public sectors will have to consider innovative mechanisms for improving how energy is supplied and used while also improving energy efficiency. This session will examine the roles of energy efficiency and capacity improvements.
State tax systems have not always kept up with modern economic activity. What policy alternatives exist to match tax systems more closely to 21st-century state economies?
When states need to tighten their belts, it's often human services programs that bear the brunt of budget cuts. But in tough economic times, low-income families rely on the safety net more than ever. How can states do more with less? Join us for an interactive roundtable where we'll discuss innovation in state human service policy.
The committee will discuss NCSL's REAL ID policy and, time permitting, receive updates from staff on recent state and federal policy developments.
This session will provide an overview of how Georgia, through a specially formed Water Council, addressed water resources, including clean drinking water and overall infrastructure needs.
The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 (H.R. 3221) was enacted earlier this year to stabilize the housing market and help alleviate the financial crisis. Title V of the act, the Secure and Fair Enforcement (S.A.F.E.) for Mortgage Licensing Act of 2008, affirms that any residential mortgage loan originator must be either state-licensed by Aug. 1, 2009, or federally registered. States have until Aug. 1, 2009, to enact or amend their system of licensing mortgage originators or they will lose authority to the federal government.
Hear the latest from Washington, D.C., on the preparations for reauthorization.
When it convenes next year, Congress will consider a range of new election reform bills that could have a major impact on state election statutes and practices. This session will preview topics likely to come before the 111th Congress.
All are welcome to attend the fall board meeting of the Women's Legislative Network of NCSL.
High energy costs hit low-income families especially hard. In combination with higher food costs and mortgage woes, increased energy costs are an additional burden for these families. The need for assistance to cover high heating and cooling bills--and for weatherization and energy efficiency programs--is pressing. This session will look at the extent of the need and how well existing programs meet demand.
Annuities have become a popular financial tool to augment people’s retirement income. Like any financial product, the purchase of an annuity can be confusing for many, especially older Americans. The NAIC and the insurance industry have been working to ensure transparency, clarity and ethical behavior in the annuity sales environment. This session will prepare legislators to consider legislation in the 2009 sessions to address annuity suitability and disclosure.
Committee members will hear a brief overview of the Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR) and then will discuss and act on committee business, including a draft action policy on CAIR and any additional new policy resolutions submitted for consideration. NCSL staff will provide an update on state legislation, recent federal actions and expected effects of the new administration.
The committee will discuss a new economic recovery policy.
An estimated 5 million people could not vote in 2008 elections as a result of their status as a felon. This session will explore an array of state policies and practices that restict or restore felons' voting rights.
Many legislatures are looking at ways to improve the voting process for Americans who are serving overseas in the military or otherwise are out of the country during elections.
This session will focus on new tools and techniques for managing congestion, including information on Clarus (Latin for "clear"), an initiative to develop and demonstrate an integrated surface transportation weather observing, forecasting and data management system, in which 22 states are participating.
The 2008 Elections and the Future of Southern Politics At the same time that the Democratic presidential candidate won victories in three Southern states with a history of voting Republican in presidential elections, Republicans captured the Tennessee House that had been in Democratic hands since Reconstruction, and decisively won the previously-tied Senates in Tennessee and Oklahoma. What do these mixed signals mean about the direction of Southern politics? Professor Black specializes in the politics of the modern South, and has tracked the rise of the Republican Party in the South, the changing Southern electorate, and their significance for national politics.
The steering committee includes the overall standing committee officers and the legislator and staff chairs of each standing committee. This meeting will review the committees' plans for the Forum, preview policies under consideration at this meeting, and decide on joint and re-referrals of policy resolutions if necessary.
Enjoy good food, drinks and conversation with like-minded professionals at the world's largest aquarium. Join us as we view aquatic life from all over the globe. There will be a continuous shuttle starting at 5:15 pm and the last shuttle leaving for the hotel at 8:15 pm.
Julie Louise Gerberding, M.D., director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA.
Legislatures are notorious for focusing on the short-term, but our complex challenges, changing demographics and financial uncertainties make long-term planning a necessity. In this session, we will examine the process for conducting legislative future studies and view some predictions from an NCSL project. Participants then will examine the core values that guide the work of state legislative bodies and make recommendations for orientation and training programs for lawmakers and staff.
Get an update on federal education issues, including the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act, Special Education and NCLB. Following the discussion, members will consider any policies brought before the committee.
Hear the latest about federal legislation and regulations that will affect your state's human services and welfare budgets and programs. The committee will discuss current policies on the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program and child welfare.
As state legislators prepare for 2009 legislative sessions, what are the top labor and economic development issues they will face? How will decisions from the new administration and Congress affect the state budget? This session will explore anticipated employment and economic policies and provide insight on how states can prepare.
State finances are under tremendous stress and the outlook for improvement is bleak. Join this discussion for the latest information about the state budget situation and share your state's response to growing fiscal challenges.
For the past three decades, NCSL has published an extensive guide to redistricting law, often referred to as the "Red Book," written largely by experienced redistricting staff attorneys from around the country. During this session, authors will present various chapters and engage in discussion about the final version of NCSL's Redistricting Law 2010 publication. Topics will include census law, equal population, racial discrimination and the Voting Rights Act, partisan gerrymandering, federalism, multi-member districts, local government redistricting, judicial redistricting and much more.
In the complex arena of environmental regulation, how can government provide the private sector with the incentive to undertake emissions reductions? How can public policy choices work to mitigate climate change, work through market mechanisms and advance investment in new technologies? This session will examine the implications of pricing carbon through alternative mechanisms of a carbon tax or a cap-and-trade program and look at legislatures' experience in advancing regional cap and trade programs.
Can you envision a world without the Internet? It is hard to believe that 15 years ago most Americans did not even know what the Internet was. In 2008, we are connected to the "World Wide Web" in more ways than we can imagine. This session will provide a glimpse of the next generation of the Internet.
The acting chair of the NTSB will discuss its findings relative to the 2007 bridge collapse in Minnesota.
The use of tribal lands for Indian casinos has grown into a profitable industry, while debate continues on the process for approving such gaming enterprises. This session will explore the land-to-trust aspects of and role of state legislatures in establishing tribal gaming.
States are looking for cost savings in state employee and Medicaid health care programs. Some states have saved money and lives through tobacco cessation progams for state employees and Medicaid recipients. Hear from states with success stories and learn how a small step can save big bucks.
Many states are adopting the career pathways model to connect workers to jobs by targeting regional labor markets and integrating the training programs and resources of community colleges and other education providers, workforce agencies and social services. Members will learn about state programs currently in place and the businesses they serve.
The committee business meeting will include potential action on new and renewal policies; an update on Byrne/JAG funding; a general federal update; a report of Foundation for State Legislatures' auto theft project; and others issues before the committee.
Amtrak’s reauthorization—the first in 11 years—opens the door to a trainload of possibilities for passenger rail after years of lean operations. During this session, Amtrak and passenger coalition representatives will speak to the implications for the future of passenger rail, including safety issues and high-speed rail prospects.
Carbon capture and sequestration is an approach to capture carbon emitted from fossil fuel power plants and store it underground instead of releasing it into the atmosphere. What is the potential for this technology? Is it economically and environmentally viable? What regulations and policies are needed? Learn the answers to these questions and more from research and technology experts and a demonstration project.
This three-part program will provide an overview of what happened, the $700 billion rescue package and the overall impact on states’ economic well-being. From Wall Street to Main Street, all Americans are reeling from the effects of a tight credit market. State governments from coast to coast must address budget deficits as revenues decline in almost all categories.
When the first signs of the subprime mortgage crisis became apparent, Congress and state legislatures tried to stem the tide by addressing fixes to the housing market and restrictions on mortgage originators. What happened? How did we go from a mortgage crisis to a recession? Presiding: Senator Pamela Gorman, Arizona Speaker: Jesse Eisinger, Conde Nast Portfolio, New York 12:00 pm - 1:15 pm -- Working Lunch: Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 - What the $700 Billion Rescue Plan Means for State Governments? 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm -- Fall 2008 - State of the States - From the Economy and Housing to Financial Services Regulation and the Soundness of State Pension Systems
Rural areas face unique challenges in the delivery of health care to their residents. Health information technology tools can help address some of these challenges. This session will provide an overview of how health information technology can assist rural areas, focusing on examples from California and New Mexico.
Well-visits during adolescence are important to obtain preventive services such as vaccines and for education about the health effects of risky behaviors. Discuss the policymaker's role in ensuring teens see physicians regularly and the influence these and other caring adults can have on youth well-being.
NCSL gratefully acknowledges the support of GlaxoSmithKline.
Continuing a Legislative Effectiveness Committee tradition, this session provides a chance for committee members and interested attendees to share advice and best practices in an informal setting. During lunch, the committee will lead small group discussions on the topic of civic education, with particular emphasis on educating citizens about the legislature. Participants will be encouraged to share stories of their involvement in NCSL's America's Legislatures Back to School Program and their state and personal initiatives.
Several new alternative certification programs are showing promise as states continue to face challenges to hire and keep teachers in hard-to-staff schools and subjects, such as math and science. Representatives will provide an overview of their program and suggest policies that states might consider to meet this challenge.
It has been over two months since Congress and the administration agreed on a $700 billion rescue plan to assume "toxic debt" from the nation's financial institutions. Is the plan working, and how will it affect states' economic viability?
Committee members will have an opportunity to hear from and engage Georgia legislators about recent transportation coordination efforts in Georgia.
The committee will discuss state redistricting and election developments and share an informal lunch. The committee also will review the U.S. Supreme Court oral arguments held recently in the North Carolina redistricting case that looked at the percentage of minority voters in Voting Rights Act districts and whether coalition/influence districts were acceptable.
Preregistration is required for this session at least one week in advance. Space is limited and security clearances are required. Contact Joanne Stroud at (303) 856-1538 or joanne.stroud@ncsl.org.
The National Crime Prevention and Privacy Compact facilitates interstate sharing of crime records for a variety of purposes. Learn about state-federal initiatives and state interest in sharing, privacy and expungement of criminal records.
Members will act on committee business and any new policy resolutions submitted for deliberation. NCSL staff will provide an update on state legislation, recent federal actions, and expected impacts of the new administration.
What impacts could a struggling economy can have on the environment? Some assert that the environment will suffer as private industry and government agencies cut back on environmental efforts in order to save their bottom line. Tight credit markets created by the banking collapse is a
