Tuesday, December 7

7:30 am - 5:30 pm

This seminar brings together the state legislators responsible for transportation and health issues in their respective states.  Policy experts in the fields of traffic safety, public health and injury prevention will be invited to address this meeting.  A registration fee is required to ONLY attend this seminar.  It is included in the Fall Forum registration.

Wednesday, December 8

7:00 am - 6:00 pm

Registration
W--Grand Ballroom Foyer, 2nd Floor

Fiscal Ballot Measures
W--Harbor Ballroom A, Ground Floor
Sponsor:  Fiscal Leaders

The November ballots featured numerous fiscal proposals. How did these measures fare in the election?  This roundtable discussion will consider the implications of the latest tax and budget initiatives and referenda for state and local governments.

Moderator:  Senator Richard Devlin, Oregon

Speaker:  Jennie Drage Bowser, National Conference of State Legislatures, Colorado

More Bang for the Buck: Linking Budgets to Performance
W--Harbor Ballroom A, Ground Floor
Sponsor:  Fiscal Leaders

Tight budgets in recent years have caused lawmakers to explore budget management tools to maximize the efficiency of state expenditures.  One promising approach is to link budgeting with results.  This session will provide an overview of state performance budgeting practices and highlight successful examples.

Moderator: Representative Melvin Neufeld, Kansas

Speakers: Senator Ben Altamirano, New Mexico
Harry Hatry, The Urban Institute, Washington, D.C.
Wes Keller, Chief of Staff to Senator Fred Dyson, Alaska
Gary VanLandingham, Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability, Florida 

Women's Legislative Network Executive Board Meeting
CC--Pulaski Room, Ground Floor 

Streamlined Sales Tax......in Stores October 1, 2005
W--Grand Ballroom A, 2nd Floor
Sponsors: Communications, Technology and Interstate Commerce; Budget and Revenue Committees and the Fiscal Leaders

This luncheon session provides an update on state and federal developments. 

Moderators: Senator Steven Rauschenberger, Illinois
NCSL President-Elect
Senator Leticia Van De Putte, Texas
NCSL Vice President

Legislating for Results Advisory Group
W--Riverscape Room, 2nd Floor 

Members meet to reivew accomplishments and discuss current and future projects.

State-Federal Update: The Outlook for 2005 (Lunch to be provided)
W--Grand Ballroom F, 2nd Floor
Sponsor: Labor and Workforce Development Committee

This session explores the issues that will drive the legislative agenda on labor, workforce and pensions.  Included also are updates from staff and a roundtable discussion of legislators and staff.  What is the role of policy in advancing low-income working families into the financial mainstream?

Speakers: Gerri Madrid-Davis, National Conference of State Legislatures, Washington, D.C.
Tamra Spielvogel, National Conference of State Legislatures, Washington, D.C.
Justin Marks, National Conference of State Legislatures, Colorado  

Brownfields Cleanup and Redevelopment  (CLE)
W--Grand Ballroom D, 2nd Floor
Sponsor: Environment and Natural Resources Committee

Liability protection, financial incentives and institutional controls for brownfields cleanup and redevelopment will be discussed at this session.  Included will be a presentation on the Uniform Environmental Covenants Act to ensure that future uses of redeveloped brownfields comply with environmental standards will be included as well as a case study of the Atlantic Station project in Atlanta, the largest mixed-use development of a former brownfields site in the country. 

Speakers: Representative Carole Rubley, Pennsylvania
Chair, Energy and Electric Utilities Committee
Larry Morandi, National Conference of State Legislatures, Colorado
Kurt Strasser, University of Connecticut School of Law 

The Community Reinvestment Act:  Only for the Big Banks Anymore?
CC--Rooms 103/104
Sponsors: Agriculture and Rural Development Committee; Economic Development, Trade and Cultural Affairs Committee; Financial Services Committee

The FDIC has issued a proposed rule that would apply the federal Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) only to the 293 banks with assets of at least $1 billion.  This session weighs the benefits and disadvantages of the proposal and explores the effectiveness of state CRAs in light of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency's (OCC) rules to preempt state laws as they apply to national banks.

Presiding:  Representative John Quinn, Massachusetts
Vice Chair, Financial Services Committee

Speakers: James Ballentine, American Bankers Association,
Washington, D.C.
Allen Fishbein, Consumer Federation of America, Washington, D.C.
Dudley Gilbert, State Banking Department, Oklahoma
Bob Mooney, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Washington, D.C.

Overview of the Medicare Modernization Act (MMA)
Convention Center
Sponsor:  Health Committee

This session reviews the major areas where the MMA will impact states, including a discussion of the treatment Medicaid/Medicare dual eligibilities and the states' responsibilities regarding the implementation of the new Medicare drug benefit program. 

Field Trip to the Port of Savannah
W--Grand Ballroom E, 2nd Floor
Sponsor: Law and Criminal Justice Committee

An introductory session will describe security requirements and measures at the Port of Savannah; followed by a driving tour to the Port to view how those functions are carried out in cooperation with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.

Speakers: Senator Regina Thomas, Georgia
Lee Beckmann, Legislative Affairs, Georgia Port Authority

Federal Update
CC--Room 201
Sponsor: Education Committee

This session provides an overview of key education legislation pending before Congress, discusses key concerns for state legislators and reviews NCSL's lobbying efforts on these matters. 

Presiding:  Senator John Vratil, Kansas
Chair, Education Committee

Supply Meeting Demand:  A Look at How to Get Needed Energy Facilities Built
W--Grand Ballroom E, 2nd Floor
Sponsor: Energy and Electric Utilities Committee

This session examines the often complicated and time consuming process of building Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminal and oil refineries when and where they are needed. 

Coordination of Human Services Transportation
CC--Room 102
Sponsor: Transportation Committee

Various federal, state and local efforts are underway to improve the coordination of transportation resources that benefit users of various human services.  Also included in this presentation is the summary of findings of a new NCSL report and highlights of other transportation coordination efforts. 

Moderator: Hal Greer, JLARC, Virginia
Staff Chair, Transportation Committee

Speakers: Janice Lorenz, Community Transportation Association of America, Washington, D.C.
John Shermyen, Logisticare, Georgia
Matt Sundeen, National Conference of State Legislatures, Colorado

Electronic Waste
W--Harbor Ballroom B, Ground Floor
Sponsors:  Environment and Natural Resources Committee; Communications, Technology and Interstate Commerce Committee

Presenters will address options for enhancing electronic waste recycling, experience with existing and prospective programs, needs for federal and/or state legislation, and industry, government and consumer concerns regarding retrieval of various products. 

Moderator: Representative Warren Chisum, Texas
Vice Chair, Environment and Natural Resources Committee

Speakers: Garth Hickle, Office of Environmental Assistance, Minnesota
Heather Bowman, Hewlett Packard, Washington, D.C.

Agriculture and Rural Development Activities
CC--Room 100

Committee staff will review NCSL's efforts to address state agriculture and rural concerns including grant projects.  A discussion of these projects and how they reflect on the committee's ability to assist legislators in their work.  This discussion excludes state-federal issues.

Presiding:  Senator Steve Morris, Kansas
Chair, Agriculture and Rural Development Committee

Speaker:  Doug Farquhar, National Conference of State Legislatures, Colorado 

The SMART Act:  What Now?
CC--Rooms 103/104
Sponsor: Financial Services Committee

This recently released State Modernization and Regulator Transparency (SMART) Act would completely restructure the nation's insurance markets around a system of federally-imposed guidelines that the state would meet or face deregulation and preemption.  This session reviews the key elements of the SMART Act and explores its prospects in the 109th Congress. 

Speakers: Alfred Redmer, Jr., Insurance Commissioner, Maryland
David Snyder, American Insurance Association, Washington, D.C.
Cheye Calvo, National Conference of State Legislatures,
Washington, D.C.

Economic Development, Trade and Cultural Affairs Committee Business Meeting and Roundtable
W--Grand Ballroom E, 2nd Floor

The committee will review the policies expiring this conference year and discuss plans for the April Spring Forum and the August Annual Meeting in Seattle.  Officers will report on their outreach efforts and discuss ideas for further encouraging strong participation.

Presiding: Representative Sheryl Allen, Utah
Chair, Economic Development, Trade and Cultural Affairs Committee

State Employee Retiree Health Benefits Under MMA: Options, Opportunities and Peril
Convention Center
Sponsor: Health Committee; Fiscal Leaders

The Medicare Modernization Act includes incentives for employers, including state and local governments, to maintain their existing retiree health benefits programs.  This session reviews the options, the opportunities and yes, the perils of this new program. 

Closing the Achievement Gap: Three Approaches to Making a Difference, Part I
CC--Room 201
Sponsor: Education Committee

State policymakers have long struggled over what are the keys to improving academic achievement for those students falling behind in the achievement gap.  In this first of a three-part series, Richard Rothstein reviews his findings and argues that policymakers should address social reform in order to close the achievement gap.

Moderator: Senator John Vratil, Kansas
Chair, Education Committee

Speaker: Richard Rothstein, Economic Policy Institute, Washington, D.C. 

State Election Results:  Forecasting the Impact on State Legislatures
CC--Room 101
Sponsors: Women's Legislative Network; Redistricting and Elections Committee

This session takes an in-depth look at the new political landscape at the state level.  An overview of initiatives that passed and what they could mean for legislative sessions will be discussed. 

Moderator: Representative Nancy Detert, Florida

Speakers: Kira Sanbonmatsu, PhD, Ohio State University
William Pound, National Conference of State Legislatures, Colorado
Tim Storey, National Conference of State Legislatures, Colorado

Sponsors: Labor and Workforce Development Committee; Human Services and Welfare Committee 

This tour visits the St. Pius X Family Resource Center located in downtown Savannah.  The center is managed by the Chatham-Savannah Youth Futures Authority and is often referred to as the "hub of the community" and provides an array of social services and activities designed to support families in the community.  Contact Gerri Madrid-Davis at 202-624-8670 if you would like to participate in this tour.   

Commercial Driver's License Issues
CC--Room 102
Sponsor: Transportation Committee 

Come hear the latest on state legislative deadlines for complying with new federal commercial driver's license regulations.

Moderator: Representative Sherman Packard, New Hampshire
Vice Chair, Transportation Committee

Speaker: Matt Sundeen, National Conference of State Legislatures, Colorado

Opening Plenary:  Health Care Politics--Where We've Been-Where We're Going
W--Grand Ballroom A-C, 2nd Floor

This session will review the major health stories of 2004, reflect on what are likely to be the major health stories for 2005 and how the recent state and national elections may play a role in determining these issues and ultimately what all this means for health care in America.

Welcome:  Representative Terry Coleman, Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives

Co-Presiding: Representative Peter Lewiss, Rhode Island
Vice Chair, NCSL Standing Committees
Guy Cherry, Department of Legislative Services, Maryland
Staff Chair, NCSL Standing Committees

Panelists: John Andrew Miller, Atlanta-Journal Constitution, Georgia
Todd Sloane, Modern Healthcare Magazine, Illinois

Steering Committee Meeting
W--Harbor Ballroom B, Ground Floor

This meeting will review the committees' plans for the year and preview any policies anticipated for debate and make determinations regarding joint and referral of any resolutions.

Co-Presiding:  Senator Beverly Gard, Indiana
Vice Chair, NCSL Standing Committees
Frank Parisi, Office of Legislative Services, New Jersey
Staff Vice Chair, NCSL Standing Committees

Reception at the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center
CC--Chatham Ballroom Foyer, 2nd Floor

The National Conference ofState Legislatures gratefully acknowledges the following corporations for their generous support of this social event.

AGL Resources, Inc.	ALLTEL
Altria Corporate Services	AT&T
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia	Bell South
BP America	Coca Cola
Delta Airlines	General Electric
Georgia Power Company

Thursday, December 9

7:00 am - 5:00 pm

Registration
W--Grand Ballroom Foyer, 2nd Floor

Plenary Breakfast 
W--Grand Ballroom A-C, 2nd Floor 

Welcome:  Senate President Pro Tem Eric Johnson, Georgia 

The Steven D. Gold Award for Significant Contributions in Public Finance presented by William Pound, NCSL Executive Director.

The 2004 recipient is David Crotts, Chief Economist, North Carolina General Assembly.

Co-Presiding: Representative Joe Hackney, North Carolina
Chair, NCSL Standing Committees
Guy Cherry, Department of Legislative Services, Maryland
Staff Chair, NCSL Standing Committees

Rural Health and Economic Development
Convention Center
Sponsor: Health Committee

This session highlights successful approaches that have strengthened rural economies and improved access to health care through investments in health services by folding initiatives into existing services or leveraging resources across funding streams to implement revolving loan funds, practice management services, recruitment and retention strategies, rural health leader's pipeline programs and rural health networks. 

Moderator: Senator Evan Jenkins, West Virginia

Speakers: Marsha Broussard, Rural HEalth Access Program, Louisiana
Elaine Wooten, University of Arkansas School of Public Health

Innovations in State Health Reform

This session includes an update on Maine's comprehensive reforms adopted two years ago, the use of public insurance to expand access in some states and information about New York's program to help small businesses cover their employees by reinsuring small groups.

New Lessons in Long-Term Care

This session discusses three "hot topics" in long-term care--insurance, managed long-term care, and consumer direction.  It offers state options for revamping this critical area of health care delivery.

Federal Standards for Drivers Licenses: New Reality or National ID?
CC--Rooms 105/106
Sponsors: Law and Criminal Justice Committee; Transportation Committee; Human Services and Welfare Committee

In response to the 9/11 Commission Report, the U.S. House and Senate have passed separate intelligence reform bills that include minimum standards for state drivers licenses and other records.  Some states see this federal action as the only way to ensure the integrity of driver's license issuance and verification; others see the national standards as a first step toward creating a national ID card.  A discussion of NCSL policies will be included. 

Welcome: Representative Geroganna Sinkfield, Georgia
Vice Chair, Human Services and Welfare Committee

Co-Moderators: Senator Bruce Starr, Oregon
Vice Chair, Transportation Committee
Senator Michael Balboni, New York
Chair, Law and Criminal Justice Committee

Speakers: Bob Barr, Former member of Congress, Georgia
Tom Wolfsohn, American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators, Virginia 
Tyler Moran, National Immigration Law Center, Idaho
Cheye Calvo, National Conference of State Legislatures,
Washington, D.C.  

State Actions on Air Quality Issues
W--Grand Ballroom D, 2nd Floor
Sponsors: Environment and Natural Resources Committee; Energy and Electric Utilities Committee 

Committee members will discuss recently proposed and enacted state legislation and regulations on air quality issues including multi-pollutant strategies, mercury, new source review, alternative fuel vehicles, MTBE and greenhouse gas emissions.  A matrix of state actions will supplement the discussion.

Speakers:  Larry Morandi, National Conference of State Legislatures, Colorado
Jennifer Smith, National Conference of State Legislatures, Colorado

Roundtable on the 2004 Election Process
CC--Greene Room, Ground Floor
Sponsor:  Redistricting and Elections Committee

Stories from the front lines about what worked well and what went wrong with how elections were run in November.  What do we learn from the 2004 elections about the most vital activity in a democracy--voting?  

Moderator:  Representative Tommy Reynolds, Mississippi

Economic Outlook:  A Discussion with David Wyss
W--Harbor Ballroom A, Ground Floor
Sponsors:  Budgets and Revenue Committee; Fiscal Leaders

Wireless, VolP, Cable, POTS...Communications Convergence  (CLE)
W--Harbor Ballroom B, Ground Floor
Sponsor: Communications, Technology and Interstate Commerce Committee

The convergence of wireless services, voice over the Internet protocol (VolP), cable television services and plain old telephone services (POTS) provides a variety of new products for consumers and raises a myriad of issues for policymakers.

Moderator: Senator Carol Fukunaga, Hawaii
Chair, Communications, Technology and Interstate Commerce Committee

Speakers: Charles Davidson, Public Safety Commission, Florida
Senator Steve Kelley, Minnesota
Kathy Smith, Verizon, Washington, D.C.

How Do You Get Short-Term Money Without Robbing a Bank?
CC--Rooms 203/204
Sponsors: Financial Services Committee; Banking FSL Partners Project

Payday loans, installment loans, title loans, and check cashers sprovide money to consumers on a short-term basis.  This session compares and contrasts the different short-term products.   At this session, learn how to distinguish between these products and how they are currently regulated. 

Moderator:  Representative Donna Stone, Delaware
Immediate Past Chair, Financial Services Committee

Speakers:  John Rabenold, Community Financial Association, Ohio
Mike Calhoun, Self-Help Credit Union, North Carolina
Andrew Morrison, Brundage Management Company, Texas
John McCloskey, Community Loans of America, Inc., Georgia
Bob Rochford, Financial Service Centers of America, New Jersey

Regulating Small Businesses: A Necessary Evil or an Unnecessary Barrier to Economic Development?
CC--Room 200
Sponsor: Economic Development, Trade and Cultural Affairs Committee

The U.S. Small Business Administration has developed an initiative to further help small businesses prosper and grow through the reduction of regulatory burdens.  At this session, a panel will explain how the regulatory flexibility initiative seeks to tear down regulatory barriers to entrepreneurial success and save small businesses time and money.

Moderator:  Nelson Fox, Legislative Service Commission, Ohio
Staff Chair, Economic Development, Trade and Cultural Affairs Committee

Speakers:  Senator Karin Brownlee, Kansas
Senator Bob Hagedorn, Colorado
Thomas Sullivan, U.S. Small Business Administration, Washington, D.C.

Is Your Legislative Speed Limited by a Governor?
CC--Room 101
Spnsor: Legislative Effectiveness and State Government Committee

State legislatures have waged epic battles with governors recently featuring some fascinating personal, political and legal struggles.  This session explores the reasons for the challenges and gives advice on how to build relationships, improve communication and protect legislative interests.

Moderator: Laura Rose, Joint Legislative Council, Wisconsin
Chair, Legislative Effectiveness and State Government Committee 

Speakers: Representative Christopher Rants, Speaker of the House, Iowa
Delegate John Hurson, Maryland, President, NCSL
Peter Wattson, Senate Counsel, Minnesota

Military Families and Workplace Issues
W--Grand Ballroom F, 2nd Floor
Sponsor: Labor and Workforce Development Committee

States have offered a host of family support services and benefits to the families of National Guard men and women and regular military families called to active duty including tax preferences, state employee benefits and work supports.  This session explores ways the legislature can improve the lives of active military personnel and their families. 

Speaker:  Angela Manos, COL-USAG Commander, Fort McPherson, Georgia
Thomas Hinton, United States Department of Defense, Virginia
Rebecca Smith, National Employment Law Project, Washington
Frederico Juarbe, Jr., Veterans' Employment and Training Service, Washington, D.C. 

Whither the Farm Bill?
CC--Room 102
Sponsor: Agriculture and Rural Development Committee

Though not half-way through the lifespanof the current Farm Bill, changes in the U.S. economy, balloonin federal budget deficits and agricultural trade developments at the World Trade Organization are encouraging many to begin thinking about the size and shape of the next Farm Bill.  At this session, panelists will give their expert perspectives on these developments and the likely future for this important piece of legislation.

Moderator: Representative Jeff Kropf, Oregon
Vice Chair, Agriculture and Rural Development Committee

Speaker: Jennifer Yezak, National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, Washington, D.C.

Holding Higher Education Accountable
CC--Room 201
Sponsor: Education Committee

The National Commission on Accountability in Higher Education has been exploring and rethinking state accountability of higher education and accountability systems. Their findings and recommendations will be discussed especially regarding the roles and responsibilities of state legislators.

Speakers: Charles Lenth, State Higher Education Executive Officers, Colorado
Senator Lana Oleen, Kansas 

Redesigning Medicaid: New Attempts at Reform
Convention Center
Sponsor: Health Committee

This session addresses the goals of Medicaid redesign in the states, options under consideration, the role of legislators and other stakeholders, and implications for states.

Methamphetamine: The Science of Addiction
Convention Center

Some of the nation's leading methamphetamine addiction researchers will discuss the science of methamphetamine addiction, how to effectively treat this addiction, and how successful treatment allows the brain to recover from serious impairments.

Current Issues in the Provision of Excellent End-of-Life Care
Convention Center

This session highlights this pressing public problem and explores innovative approaches to promote improved pain management and palliative care and whether failure to honor advance directives and inadequate pain management constitute a new form of elder abuse.

New Source Review  (CLE)
W--Grand Ballroom D, 2nd Floor
Sponsors: Environment and Natural Resources Committee; Energy and Electric Utilities Committee

Representatives of EPA, industry, environmental groups and states will discuss the current standing of the new source review regulations, policy and compliance challenges and pending or concluded litigation.

Speakers: Quin Shea, Edison Electric Institute, Washington, D.C.
John Walke, Natural Resources Defense Council, Washington, D.C.
S. William Becker, STAPPA/ALAPCO, Washington, D.C.
Bill Harnett, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, North Carolina

Round 2 of Election Reform  (CLE)
CC--Greene Room, Ground Floor
Sponsor: Redistricting and Elections Committee

The 2004 election surfaced several issues about how statesconduct elections.  Plaintiffs filed numerous lawsuites challenging various voting procedures.  This session features expert advice on what the litigation might mean for states and how legislatures can proactively address key election problmes before the next major election.

Moderator: Steve Miller, Legislative Reference Bureau, Wisconsin

Speakers: Doug Chapin, Electionline.org, Washington, D.C.
Ned Foley, Ohio State University 

Insurance Bid Rigging: The Tip of the Iceberg?
CC--Rooms 203/204
Sponsors: Financial Services Committee

This session reviews the serious charges raised by New York Attorney General Elliott Spitzer, explores the workings of complex insurance transactions, and attempts to answer how the bid rigging scandal could affect how insurance is regulated. 

Speakers: John Fielding, Council of Insurance Agents and Brokers, Washington, D.C.
Al Luppa, Bureau of Insurance, Maine

Human Services and Welfare Committee Business Meeting
CC--Rooms 103/104 

Co-Presiding: Representative Martha Alexander, North Carolina
Chair, Human Services and Welfare Committee
Senator Michael Balboni, New York
Chair, Law and Criminal Justice Committee
Delegate Carol Petzold, Maryland
Chair, Transportation Committee

The New Reality in State Finances 
W--Harbor Ballroom A, Ground Floor
Sponsors: Budgets and Revenue Committee; Economic Development, Trade and Cultural Afairs Committee; Fiscal Leaders

Tax revisions occur every year, but states have tended to overlook the need for fundamental tax reform to reflect structural economic change.  This session explores the nature of taxation in the states, the ways that state taxes operate, and the reasons state tax policy has gotten out-of-step with the demographic and economic realities of American life.

Speaker: Ronald Snell, National Conference of State Legislatures, Colorado 

State Responses to New Assaults on State and Local Pensions
W--Grand Ballroom F, 2nd Floor
Sponsor: Labor and Workforce Development Committee

Increased attention to the nation's pension system has raised new questions about state and local pensions, their solvency, investments and standing in the markets.  This session explores these diverse topics and will include a committee discussion of an action calendar resolution on foreign investments.  

Speakers: Dan Ebersole, National Association of State Comptrollers and Treasurers, Georgia
Frank Shafroth, State Tax Notes, Virginia

Box lunches will be available from 11:30 am - 12:30 pm.  Pick one up at these locations: 

Westin:  Harbor Ballroom Foyer, Ground Floor and the Grand Ballroom Foyer, 2nd Floor

Convention Center:  In the hallway outside Rooms 100 and Rooms 200

Communications, Technology and Interstate Commerce Committee Business Meeting/Roundtable Luncheon
W--Harbor Ballroom B, Ground Floor

Presiding:  Senator Carol Fukunaga, Hawaii
Chair, Communications, Technology and Interstate Commerce Committee 

Polarization: It's Unbearable
CC--Room 100
Sponsor: Legislative Effectiveness and State Government Committee

Ask any veteran legislator and you'll likely hear that the legislature isn't like it used to be.  Partisan fights and heated campaigns have driven a wedge between and even within the parties.  This roundtable discussion explores the keys to maintaining civility and good working relationships in the capitol. 

Moderator: Senator Jeffrey Plale, Wisconsin

Speakers: Senator Dori Connor, Delaware
Representative Rob Eissler, Texas
Representative Doug Jones, Idaho

Policy Consideration and Working Lunch
W--Grand Ballroom D, 2nd Floor
Sponsor: Environment and Natural Resources Committee

The committee will review policies under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Environment and Natural Resources Committee and discuss the 2005 committee agenda. 

Presiding: Delegate Jim Hubbard, Maryland
Chair, Environment and Natural Resources Committee

State Roundtable and Federal Update
W--Grand Ballroom E, 2nd Floor
Sponsor: Energy and Electric Utilities Committee

Members will discuss key energy issues for 2005 legislative sessions and the impact of the 2004 elections and referenda on the energy and electric utilities agenda.  Also, key issues expected to be raised both in the legislative and regulatory arenas during the 109th Congress and the impact of the 2004 elections on the federal energy agenda will be presented. 

Speakers: Gerri Madrid-Davis, National Conference of State Legislatures, Washington, D.C.
Tamra Spielvogel, National Conference of State Legislatures, Washington, D.C.
Christina Rewey, National Conference of State Legislatures, Colorado
Kate Burke, National Conference of State Legislatures, Colorado

Financial Services Committee Business Meeting and Roundtable
CC--Rooms 203/204

The committee will receive brief updates on major issues related to state banking, insurance, credit union and securities regulation.  Members will consider NCSL federal policy related to financial services. 

Constitutional Developments and Legislative-Judicial Roles (CLE)
CC--Rooms 105/106
Sponsors: Law and Criminal Justice Committee; Redistricting and Elections Committee

This session is a follow-up to the committee's July discussion of a proposed policy resolution on judicial activism stemming from the dissent written by three U.S. Supreme Court Justices in the Colorado congressional redistricting challenge.

Moderator: Representative Janice Pauls, Kansas
Vice Chair, Law and Criminal Justice Committee

Speakers: The Honorable Sol Wachtler, New York State
Court of Appeals
Richard Ruda, State and Local Legal Center, Washington, D.C.  

Transportation Finance Roundtable Discussion
CC--Room 205
Sponsor: Transportation Committee

This session discusses transportation funding dilemmas and innovations and the new NCSL Transportation Finance Partnership.

Moderator: Senator Mary Margaret Haugen, Washington 
Vice Chair, Transportation Committee

Farm to School
CC--Room 102
Sponsor:  Agriculture and Rural Development Committee

Schools, agriculture and welfare agencies are beginning to explore using local producers to provide fresh fruits, vegetables and products for their food programs.  This session presents the varying benefits and challenges to using locally grown products in these programs and how legislatures can facilitate such programs.

Moderator: Jim Fry, Legislative Research Council, South Dakota
Staff Vice Chair, Agriculture and Rural Development Committee

Speakers: Michael Hamm, Michigan State University
Gary Gay, Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services,
North Carolina 

Economic Development, Trade and Cultural Affairs Committee Roundtable Discussion
CC--Room 200

Over lunch, the committee will contiue the roundtable discussion begun on Wednesday.

Presiding: Representative Sheryl Allen, Utah
Chair, Economic Development, Trade and Cultural Affairs Committee 

State Budgets and Revenue Outlook: Update and Roundtable Discussion
W--Harbor Ballroom A, Ground Floor
Sponsors: Budgets and Revenue Committee; Fiscal Leaders

This session features NCSL's new "State Budget Update" report and recent data on state revenue performance.

Moderator:  Senator Robert Jauch, Wisconsin

Speakers: Corina Eckl, National Conference of State Legislatures, Colorado 
Nick Jenny, Nelson A. Rockefeller Institute of Government, New York

Closing the Achievement Gap, Part II: Grading the Investment
CC--Rooms 103/104 
Sponsors:  Education Committee; Human Services and Welfare Committee

State policymakers and researchers are increasingly looking at early education as an investment—examining how it improves children’s success in school, cuts costs in K-12 education, reduces crime, and raises the qualify of the local workforce.  In many states, business leaders are reaching out to policymakers in support of early education efforts.  Former North Carolina Governor Jim Hunt will talk about how early education initiatives contribute to achieving long term state education and economic goals. 

Co-Presiding: Representative Martha Alexander, North Carolina
Chair, Human Services and Welfare Committee
Senator Ed Olson, South Dakota
Vice Chair, Education Committee 

Speakers: Jim Hunt, Former Governor of North Carolina, 
Womble, Carlyle, Sandridge and Rice, PLLC, North Carolina
Fasaha Traylor, Foundation for Child Development, New York

Procuring Globally, Protecting Sovereignty Locally
W--Grand Ballroom D, 2nd Floor
Sponsors: Environment and Natural Resources Committee; Labor and Workforce Committee; Economic Development, Trade and Cultural Affairs Committee

Procurement practices and policies of state governments have become very important to U.S. international trading partners and in the trade agreements that govern those trading relationships.  During this session, experts will explain how state procurement factors into trade negotiations, by what processes states become obligated to these agreements and what, if any, limitations trade agreements place on state legislators to set or change state purchasing policies. 

Moderator: Representative Terri Austin, Indiana
Vice Chair, Economic Development, Trade and Cultural Affairs

Speakers: Elizabeth Drake, AFL-CIO, Washington, D.C.
Christina Sevilla, United States Trade Representative, Washington, D.C.
John Rappa, Office of Legislative Research, Connecticut

Buying Insurance After a Hurricane
CC--Rooms 203/204
Sponsors: Financial Services Committee 

Is the price of "living in paradise" increased insurance premium rate hikes or is there a better way?  This session looks for answers by reviewing the fundamentals of risk pooling and exploring what hurricane-battered states like Florida are doing to prepare their insurance markets for natural disasters.

Speakers: Jack Nicholson, Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund, State Board of Administration
Eric Goldberg, American Insurance Association, Washington, D.C.
Brad Keating, Reinsurance Association of America, Washington, D.C.

Legislative Training: What Works Best?
CC--Room 101
Sponsor: Legislative Effectiveness and State Government Committee

With term limits, turnover and increasingly complex issues to decide, many legislatures are overhauling their training for new legislators.  Time is always limited, so planners have to make tough decisions on what to teach and how to teach it.  This session looks at some recent innovations and studies that will give you tips on how to invigorate your state's legislator training.

Moderator: JoAnn Hedrick, House Chief Clerk, Delaware

Panelists: Tom Covington, NewFound Mountain Associates,
North Carolina
Mitch McCartney, Information Office, Unicameral Legislature, Nebraska
Susan Clarke Schaar, Senate Chief Clerk, Virginia

Preparing for Mother Nature's Curveball: State Prevention and Response to Service Interruptions and Restoration 
W--Grand Ballroom E, 2nd Floor
Sponsor: Energy and Electric Utilities Committee

Examining the state role in planning for and recovering from natural disasters with an emphasis on state legislative policy options takes place in this session.

When Everyday Objects Become Interactive - Radio Frequency IDs (RFIDs)  (CLE)
W--Harbor Ballroom B, Ground Floor
Sponsor: Communications, Technology and Interstate Commerce Committee

Radio frequency ID technology, small tags containing wireless tracking devises, offers the potential to make businesses more efficient by tracking merchandise from production to purchase.  But, some fear the technology provides the opportunity for companies and others to spy on consumers.  This session explains the technology and explores how it can be used.  In addition, speakers will examine the policy issues it raises and discuss proposed state and federal RFID legislation.

Moderator: Senator Carol Fukunaga, Hawaii
Chair, Communications, Technology and Interstate Commerce Committee

Speakers:  Rob Atkinson, Progressive Policy Institute, Washington, D.C.
Joseph Tasker, Jr., Information Technology Association of America, Virginia
Delegate Joe May, Virginia
Representative David Hogue, Utah
Barry Steinhardt, American Civil Liberties Union, New York
Cédric Laurant, Electronic Privacy Information Center, Washington, D.C.
Richard Varn, RJV Consulting, Iowa 

Update on Passenger Rail Developments
CC--Room 205
Sponsor: Transportation Committee

Moderator: Senator Jim Sebesta, Florida
Vice Chair, Transportation Committee

Speaker: Donald Itzkoff, Foley & Lardner LLP, Washington, D.C. 

When Daddy or Mommy Comes Home from Prison
CC--Rooms 103/104
Sponsor: Human Services and Welfare Committee

Many state and community programs are recognizing the large numbers of families where a parent is in prison and the importance of providing pre- and post-release services to support the transition for the parent and the family.  What programs are effective at supporting families and improving the chances for the parents?  Employment training, transition support, mental health, substance abuse treatment, domestic violence, child support—learn about programs that work.

Co-Moderators: Senator Ben Altamirano, New Mexico
Vice Chair, Human Services and Welfare Committee
Representative Bill Devlin, North Dakota
Vice Chair, Human Services and Welfare Committee

Speakers: Doug Ammar, The Georgia Justice Project
Anthony Sanchez, The Georgia Justice Project
Jack Tweedie, National Conference of State Legislatures, Colorado

Lawyers, Guns and Money  (CLE)
CC--Rooms 105/106
Sponsor: Law and Criminal Justice Committee

The debate on gun control rages on.  At the federal level, Congress has recently enacted legislation that limits the liability of gun manufacturers, while also allowing the ban on assault weapons to quietly expire.  This session will present contrasting views of how state and federal policy makers should respond to these issues.

Moderator: Representative John Tholl, New Hampshire
Vice Chair, Law and Criminal Justice Committee

Speakers: U.S. Representative Carolyn McCarthy, New York
Lawrence Keane, National Shooting Sport Foundation, Connecticut 

Shifting Sands of Redistricting Law  (CLE)
CC--Greene Room, Ground Floor
Sponsor: Redistricting and Elections Committee

The committee will review several recent legaldevelopments in the redistricting realm and their potential to affect all 50 states.

Moderator: Peter Wattson, Senate Counsel, Minnesota

Speakers: Dale Oldham, Attorney, South Carolina
Jeff Wice, National Committee for an Effective Congress,
Washington, D.C. 

Do Healthy Lifestyles Mean Healthier State Budgets?
Convention Center
Sponsor: Health Committee

The impact of chronic diseases on state Medicaid and Medicare budgets will grow as our population ages.  This session presents state approaches to prevention and cost management when treatment is needed.

Finding Solutions in the Private Health Insurance Market

Four national experts will share their experiences and alternatives for further policymaking such as consumer-directed plans, cost-sharing, bulk buying, tax incentives and more.

Shaking the Piggy Bank: An Update on Financing Children's Health

This session features experts in Medicaid and SCHIP financing who will discuss the current state of SCHIP funding, federal legislation introduced to save these funds for the states, and state experiences with SCHIP financing issues.

Closing the Achievement Gap: Three Approaches to Making a Difference, Part III
CC--Room 201
Sponsor: Education Committee

A new report argues that "teachability" must be evaluated before we can conclusively determine whether social or school reform is the answer to improving student achievement.  In this third series of sessions, an overview of this report is provided and how policymakers can address this issue.

Moderator: Senator Bob Plymale, West Virginia
Vice Chair, Education Committee

Speaker: Marcus Winters, Manhattan Institute, New York  

Federal Budget Update/Committee Discussion
W--Harbor Ballroom A, Ground Floor
Sponsor:  Budgets and Revenue Committee

This session will explore recent federal budget actions that will affect state finances and provide anopportunity to discuss the committee's activities over the next six months.

Presiding:  Representative Maxine Bell, Idaho
Chair, Budgets and Revenue Committee

Speaker: Molly Ramsdell, National Conference of State Legislatures, Washington, D.C.

Regional Strategies That Work
CC--Room 102
Sponsor: Agriculture and Rural Development Committee 

Asset-based economic development focuses on the positive attributes of a region, building on these attributes to create products and services to market outside the region.  This session will look at success stories where regions have emphasized their attributes and preserved their rural communities.

Presiding: Barry Denk, Center for Rural Pennsylvania
Staff Chair, Agriculture and Rural Development Committee

Speakers: Don Betts, Georgia State University
Anthony Flaccavento, Appalachian Sustainable Development, Virginia

The 2010 Census is Being Designed NOW---What Do Changes Mean for Redistricting?
CC--Greene Room, Ground Floor
Sponsor: Redistricting and Elections Committee

For three decades, state legislatures have worked closely with the U.S. Census Bureau to insure that data produced by the Bureau matches the needs of states in the redistricting process.  Many decisions are being made now about the 2010 census, and they could dramatically impact the data available for redistricting.  This session looks at several of those decisions including Race and Ethnicity Testing for the 2010 Census and Phase One of the 2010 Redistricting Data Program.

Speaker:  Cathy McCully, U.S. Census Bureau, Washington, D.C. 

IDEA Reauthorization: What State Legislators Need to Know
CC--Room 201
Sponsor: Education Committee

Congress recently enacted the reauthorization of the reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).  This session provides an overview of the bill's provisions, explains how the legislation interacts or conflicts with the No Child Left Behind Act, and discusses how they are likely to impact the states. 

Moderator:  Representative Kory Holdaway, Utah
Vice Chair, Education Committee

Speaker: Nancy Reder, National Association of State Directors of Special Education, Virginia 

Federal Tort Reform and The Preemption of State Authority
CC--Rooms 105/106
Sponsor: Law and Criminal Justice Committee

Attempts by the U.S. Congress to erode traditional state authority in the area of tort reform most recently have included proposed federal medical malpractice legislation, class action reform bills, and other measures designed to "federalize" state civil procedure and tort laws.  This session will discuss such recent federal activity and discuss potential policy on state authority for civil law.

Moderator: Senator Adam Kline, Washington
Vice Chair, Law and Criminal Justice Committee

Speaker: Walter Olson, Manhattan Institute, New York

New Perspectives on Outsourcing
W--Grand Ballroom F, 2nd Floor
Sponsors: Labor and Workforce Development Committee; Budgets and Revenue Committee

Georgia researchers recently concluded that large national corporations would do better and save on the IT costs by "home shoring" their work to smaller Georgia communities.  This research runs counter to the prevailing thought that offshoring saves U.S.-based companies money.  This session expands on the committee's continued work to raise legislative awareness of state-based efforts to address outsourcing.

Speakers: Dr. James Bradford, Georgia Southern University, Georgia
Chuck Stallworth, Aelera, Georgia
Joe Tasker, Information Technology Association of America, Virginia
David Pilgrem, Communication Workers of America, Georgia

Instability of Oil Prices: What Does it Mean for States?
W--Grand Ballroom E, 2nd Floor
Sponsor: Energy and Electric Utilities Committee

Oil prices rose above $50 per barrel this year.....that's been a good thing for some states, costly for others.  This session examines the outlook for oil prices, and the impact that high energy costs can have on state budgets and revenues.

Speaker: David Teal, Legislative Finance Division, Alaska

State Roundtable
W--Grand Ballroom D, 2nd Floor
Sponsor: Environment and Natural Resources Committee

Members will discuss key environment and natural resources issues they expect to be raised during the 2005 legislative sessions and the impact of the 2004 elections and referenda on the environment and natural resources agenda. 

The Uniform Securities Act  (CLE)
CC--Rooms 203/204
Sponsors: Financial Services Committee; Banking FSL Partners Project

Modernizing the Uniform Securities Act (2002) is a consequence of a combination of the new federal preemptive legislation, significant recent changes in the technology of securities trading and regulation, and the increasingly interstate and international aspects of securities transactions.  Come discuss the aspects of the new Uniform Securities Act. 

Moderator: Ryan Wilson, Department of Legislative Services, Maryland

Speakers: Michelle Clayton, National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws, Illinois
Patricia Struck, North American Securities Administrators Association, Wisconsin
Carl Wilkerson, American Council of Insurers, Washington, D.C.

3:00 pm - 4:30 pm 

What the Election Means for Human Services and Welfare Policy
CC--Rooms 103/104
Sponsor:  Human Services and Welfare Committee

Policy experts will forecast priorities in Congress and the Administration. 

Co-Moderators: Representative Dave Heaton, Iowa
Vice Chair, Human Services and Welfare Committee
Delegate Sandy Rosenberg, Maryland
Vice Chair, Human Services and Welfare Committee

Speakers: Ron Haskins, The Brookings Institution, Washington, D.C.
Olivia Golden, Urban Institute, Washington, D.C.

Transportation Committee Policy Session
CC--Room 205

• Rail
• Intelligent Transportation Systems
• Transportation Safety
• Surface Transportation
• Remote Control Locomotives

Moderator: Delegate Carol Petzold, Maryland
Chair, Transportation Committee 

Historic Tour of Savannah
Sponsors: Economic Development, Trade and Cultural Affairs Committee; Budgets and Revenue Committee

The tour wil depart from the front entrance of the Westin

Join us as we tour one of the most historic destinations in the United States.  Discussion will focus on the policy incentives that are in place to encourage historic preservation and what state policymakers can do to promote preservation in their own states.  Note:  Space is limited.  Please sign up in advance by sending an email to
econ-info@ncsl.org or call 303-856-1533. 

Moderator: Representative Sheryl Allen, Utah
Chair, Economic Development, Trade and Cultural Affairs Committee

Speakers:  Beth Reiter, Savannah Preservation Officer, Georgia
Lee Webb, Savannah Preservation Office, Georgia

Legislative Effectiveness and State Government Committee
Business Meeting
CC--Room 100

Committee members will discuss plans for the Spring Forum meeting and committee work products.

Presiding: Senator Jeff Wentworth, Texas
Chair, Legislative Effectiveness and State Government Committee 

ID Systems: Balancing Security & Privacy in a Digital Age
W--Harbor Ballroom B, Ground Floor
Sponsor: Communications, Technology and Interstate Commerce Committee

Concerns about national security and identity theft have prompted governments and businesses to develop more secure, reliable identification systems.  Computers and biometric technologies are the primary tools used to make ID systems more safe and dependable, yet capture a great deal of personal information and threaten individuals' privacy.  Lawmakers, government officials and technology experts will discuss principles of effective ID systems in a digital age. 

Moderator: Representative Orville Smidt, South Dakota
Vice Chair, Communications, Technology and Interstate Commerce Committee

Speakers:  Senator Steve Kelley, Minnesota
Steve Hutchens, EDS, Virginia
Reed Stager, Digimarc, Oregon
Rob Atkinson, Progressive Policy Institute, Washington, D.C.
Barry Steinhardt, American Civil Liberties Union, New York

A Walk and a Talk: Can State Policies Create a Physically Active Community?
CC--Ballroom C

After sitting in meetings, this session will get you moving.  Join us for a presentation about how the built environment can integrate physical activity into daily life and how states are translating research into policy.  Then, take a break to change into clothing appropriate for physical activity and, weather permitting, join NCSL staff for a walk or enjoy a yoga class. 

Speaker: Mark Fenton, PBS series "America's Walking", University of North Carolina

Agriculture and Rural Development Committee Business Meeting
and Roundtable
CC--Room 102

Members will report on meetings or conferences they've attended that are of interest to committee; review the state-federal policies expiring this conference year; and share amendments or new policies they've submitted in advance for the committee to consider.  A discussion on agriculture and/or rural policy issues emerging in their states and other matters surfacing in Washington and of interest to the committee is part of this session.

Presiding: Senator Steve Morris, Kansas
Chair, Agriculture and Rural Development Committee 

Federal Update
W--Grand Ballroom D, 2nd Floor 
Sponsor: Environment and Natural Resources Committee

This session discusses key environment and natural resources issues expected to be raised both legislatively and through regulations during the 109th Congress  and the impact of the 2004 elections on the environment and natural resources agenda. 

Speakers: Michael Bird, National Conference of State Legislatures, Washington, D.C.
Tamra Spielvogel, National Conference of State Legislatures, Washington, D.C.

Education Standing Committee Business Meeting
CC--Room 201

At this time, the committee will discuss business and consider any policies brought before the membership.  All members are encouraged to attend.

Presiding: Senator John Vratil, Kansas
Chair, Education Committee 

Law and Criminal Justice Committee Roundtable
CC--Rooms 105/106

Informal discussion of state and state-federal relations issues under the jurisdiction of the committee and likely to be on legislative agendas in the year ahead. 

Facilitator: Marti Harkness, OPPAGA, Florida
Staff Chair, Law and Criminal Justice Committee

Redistricting and Elections Committee Business Meeting
CC--Greene Room, Ground Floor

The committee will consider important policy positions within its jurisdiction for NCSL to adopt as official policy.  Potential topics for the Spring 2005 meeting will also be discussed. 

Federal Update, Business Meeting and Roundtable Discussion
CC--Rooms 103/104
Sponsor: Human Services and Welfare Committee 

Co-Moderators: Nia Wilson, House Policy Committee, Pennsylvania
Staff Chair, Human Services and Welfare Committee
Representative Martha Alexander, North Carolina
Chair, Human Services and Welfare Committee

Speaker: Sheri Steisel, National Conference of State Legislatures, Washington, D.C.

Steering Committee Meeting 
W--Harbor Ballroom A, Ground Floor

All committee officers should plan to attend this meeting as policy statements reported out of committee will be reviewed and calendars for the Policy Forum will be determined.

Co-Presiding: Representative Ken Svedjan, North Dakota
Vice Chair, NCSL Standing Committees
Peggy Piety, Legislative Services Agency, Indiana
Staff Vice Chair, NCSL Standing Committees

Reception at the Westin
W--Grand Ballroom A-C, 2nd Floor

The National Conference of State Legislatures gratefully acknowledges the following corporations for their generous support of this social event.

AGL Resources, Inc.	ALLTEL
Altria Corporate Services	AT&T
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia	Bell South
BP America	Coca Cola
Delta Airlines	General Electric
Georgia Power Company

Friday, December 10

Identity Security FSL Partners Project Business Meeting
W--Grand Ballroom D, 2nd Floor

The ID Security Partners will hold a business meeting to discuss the project's ID security principles and to review the project's draft report.

Co-Presiding: Senator Steve Kelley, Minnesota
Chair, ID Security Partners Project
Delegate Joe May, Virginia
Vice Chair, ID Security Partners Project

8:00 am - 1:30 pm

National Health Conference

Special Briefings:

The Incredibly Shrinking State Authority: The Causes and Consequences of Preemption in the Federal System
W--Grand Ballroom E, 2nd Floor

Federal proposals, that were once sporadic and episodic, now preempt states' authority and restrict their ability to experiment and innovate.  What are the causes of this alarming development in education, insurance, environment, telecommunications and health care.  What are  the consequences and what can be done about them will be examined in this special briefing. 

Speakers: Douglas Kendall, Community Rights Counsel,
Washington, D.C.
Paul Posner, Federal Budget and Intergovernmental Relations, U.S. Government Accountability Office, Washington, D.C.
Peter Riggs, Forum on Democracy and Trade, New York

Funding Homeland Security: Untangling a Gordian Knot
W--Harbor Ballroom A, Ground Floor

A task force created by Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge has developed a set of practical recommendations designed to alleviate concerns on how to move critical homeland security money expeditiously through the funding pipeline. This briefing will review the work of the task force and progress of its recommendations and examine congressional proposals to change the formula for the distribution of funds.

Moderator: Senator Michael Balboni, New York
Chair, Law and Criminal Justice Committee

Speakers: David Hagy, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Washington, D.C.
John Cohen, Office of Governor Mitt Romney, Massachusetts
Tracey Trautman, U.S. Department of Homeland Security,
Washington, D.C.
Molly Ramsdell, National Conference of State Legislatures,
Washington, D.C.

Quality Health Care: An Impossible Task Without a Team
W--Harbor Ballroom B, Ground Floor

The issue of health care workforce shortages has been pushed to the forefront of state legislative agendas.  The nation faces shortages of physicians, nurses and a broad range of other professionals, paraprofessionals, therapists and support staff.  This briefing looks at innovative approaches to protect and improve the health care delivery system by preserving adequate levels of health care workers.

Moderator: Senator Donne Trotter, Illinois

Speakers: Dr. Daniel Rahn, M.D., Medical College of Georgia
Cheryl Feldman, Workforce Program, 1199C Training and Upgrading Fund, Pennsylvania
P.H. Maddox, PhD, Office of Research, George Mason University, Virginia

Policy Forum and Business Meeting 
W--Harbor Ballroom B, Ground Floor

Delegates will debate and vote on NCSL's policy statements and resolutions passed out of committees at this meeting.

Presiding:  Representative Joe Hackney, North Carolina
Chair, NCSL Standing Committees

Closing Plenary:  As the Dust Settles:  An Analysis of the 2004 National and State Elections 
W--Grand Ballroom A-C, 2nd Floor

The 2004 election results and how they will affect state legislatures will be analyzed and discussed at this time.

Co-Presiding: Representative Peter Lewiss, Rhode Island
Vice Chair, NCSL Standing Committees
Frank Parisi, Office of Legislative Services, New Jersey
Staff Vice Chair, NCSL Standing Committees 

Speaker:  Larry Sabato, Center for Politics, Washington, D.C.

Staff Sections, Task Forces, Ancillary Groups, and
Workshops*

* These groups continue on Saturday, December 11 from
9:00 am to 3:00 pm.