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This invitation-only preconference session will provide an overview of the issues, challenges and opportunities related to investing in the health of young children. RSVP to Joanne Stroud or (303) 856-1538.
NCSL gratefully acknowledges the support of the Commonwealth Fund.
This meeting provides an opportunity for legislators and other energy leaders to learn about U.S. grid modernization, including growth in demand, the critical importance of power quality and reliability, aging workforce and assets, physical and cyber security of the electric infrastructure, and environmental and cost pressures. Note: This meeting will be held at the Capital Hilton, 1001 16th Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036. Transportation will be provided. There is no registration fee for this optional meeting. All are welcome. For more information and to register, contact Kate Marks or (303) 856-1404.
NCSL gratefully acknowledges the support of the U.S. Department of Energy, GridWise Alliance, Smart Grid Policy Center and Smart Grid Newsletter.
Breakfast will be served.
The NCSL Foundation for State Legislatures is convening this "scoping meeting" to assess interest in establishing a Partners Project related to Public Private Partnerships (PPPs). Legislators, legislative staff, or private sector entities interested in this possibility should contact Jeremy Meadows (202-624-8664) or Caroline Carlson (303-364-7700) for more information.
Learn about the rural primary care physician shortage in the United States, including trends, models and best practices to create more rural primary care physicians. This is an invitation-only preconference. Please RSVP to Joanne Stroud or (303) 856-1538.
NCSL gratefully acknowledges the support of the Office of Rural Health Policy.
The United States faces a significant shortfall in the numbers of citizens who have earned college degrees. This workshop will address new state-specific data to assess needs and performance of adult learning: high school diploma, adult GED attainment and adult enrollment in postsecondary learning programs. Learn about state policy options to meet the needs of the adult learner.
NCSL gratefully acknowledges the support of The Council on Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) for this session.
This is an introductory business meeting of the work group of the NCSL Foundation Auto Theft Prevention Project.
According to both farmer and farmworker advocacy organizations, the system currently used to supply an agricultural workforce does not meet their needs. Speakers will discuss how to move forward, given the complexities of immigration reform in the current political climate. RSVP is necessary as space is limited. Please contact Amanda Naughton or 202-624-5400. Meet at the Capitol Building, Room HC-8.
The Deputy Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will address the committee on state-federal traffic safety partnership successes, the newest in-vehicle safety innovations and NHTSA priorities for the current fiscal year. In addition, the work of the Transportation Research Board's Traffic Safety Planning Working Group will be briefly described.
Twenty-two states have complied with the Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement, and more than 1,000 out-of-state sellers are collecting sales taxes for them. Learn about the Sales Tax Fairness and Simplification Act, which has been introduced in Congress with bipartisan support.
Members will visit a congressional office to discuss pending federal immigration legislation. (Legislators and legislative staff only. Meet at 12:35 pm at 512 Cannon House Office Building. For information on April 24th, call 202-225-6401.)
States are responsible for ensuring that institutions of higher education are accountable, but the process by which that occurs is mysterious. Learn more about how the accreditation process works and discuss a new effort (the Voluntary System of Accountability) by 70 public colleges and universities to develop a more transparent accountability system.
Hear updates from experts on key labor and economic development issues at the federal level that directly affect states, including affordable housing, the Workforce Investment Act, Family Medical Leave Act, H-2A visas and Social Security.
The committee will leave from the west circle of the Capitol to go to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. RSVP is necessary as space is limited. Please contact Amanda Naughton or (202) 624-5400.
Several states are abandoning electronic voting machines, which once were thought to be the inevitable wave of the future. Is there a perfect voting system? Does your state have it?
Interested committee members will visit with congressional members and staff to discuss NCSL's lobbying priorities. Talking points will be provided. To sign up for these visits, please contact Molly Ramsdell or (202) 413-1379 by Tuesday, April 22.
The Department of Homeland Security published final regulations for state implementation of REAL ID in the Jan. 29, 2008, Federal Register. While the regulations offered many "fixes" NCSL sought, DHS still estimated state costs of implementation to be just under $4 billion. This session will review the final rules, the flexibilities they provide for state implementation, DHS' new cost estimate, and state responses thus far.
Supporters of the Surplus Lines Multi-State Compliance Compact (SLIMPACT) claim that state enactment of the compact will demonstrate that the state-based insurance system is modernizing. Is this second compact the best way to preserve state sovereignty? How will SLIMPACT affect state tax revenues?
During the last 30 years, achievement for all students has increased, but the achievement gap between students of color and whites remains an issue. This session will highlight some of these educational disparities and offer several policy ideas to close the achievement gap.
NCSL gratefully acknowledges the support of the National Caucus of Native American Legislators, the National Black Caucus of State Legislators and the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators for this session.
Congressional Budget Office (CBO) staff will update committee members on their latest activities.
The committee will examine a wide range of issues that could arise during the 2008 elections, including election fraud, vote centers, vote-by-mail, partisanship of election officials, post-election audits and recounts.
States are making more government information accessible, including detailed information about state contracts and state budgets. This year, more than half the states have introduced bills allowing taxpayers to track how state tax dollars are spent.
Review recent developments on procurement in light of the expiration of NCSL's World Trade Organization Negotiations Policy, changes being negotiated in Geneva on the agreement on government procurement, how the "Bipartisan Trade Deal" affected procurement talks and state involvement in procurement and trade negotiations.
During this session, the committee will hear about reports from the National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission, the NAPA Intergovernmental Forum on Transportation Finance and the National Commission on Surface Transportation Infrastructure Financing regarding the next surface transportation authorizations.
Learn about new state and federal approaches to HIT regulation, oversight and funding. Hear about current and future federal initiatives, the implementation of Minnesota's 2015 electronic medical records mandate, and challenges and implications for other states.
States continue to manage many of the impacts of immigration policy. Learn about mechanisms by which law enforcement is involved, requirements for employers, and potential effects of federal legislation on both.
As a former governor, Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), chair of the Republican Senate Conference, has seen federalism issues from both the state and federal perspectives. His concerns include REAL ID, Internet taxation, the Federal Consent Decrees Fairness Act, and flexibility in the No Child Left Behind Act.
The Steering Committee includes the overall standing committee officers and the legislator and staff chair of each standing committee. Members will review committees' plans for the Forum, preview policies under consideration at this meeting, and decide on joint and re-referrals of policy resolutions, if necessary.
This meeting of the Health Information Technology Champion Project will continue the conversation from the Health Committee session on state and federal roles in health information technology.
NCSL gratefully acknowledges the support of the Health Information Technology Champions (HITCh) Partnership Foundation members.
Have you heard the latest statistics about women's health? Come talk with your colleagues, get in-depth information about important women's health policy topics, and find out how you can become involved with NCSL's Women's Health Across the Lifespan project.
NCSL gratefully acknowledges the support of Novartis for this reception.
NCSL released two reports this week, State Budget Outlook and States Take On Challenges of Immigration. Corina Eckl will discuss the state budget report, and Ann Morse will talk about the immigration report.
States use incentives to attract businesses and create jobs. In the bidding wars for new businesses, are incentives sustainable for state budgets? Do incentives create the jobs they promise? And where does the competition end?
This session will update committee members on federal education issues, including, the reauthorization of No Child Left Behind and the Higher Education Act, the federal budget, proposed changes to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunities for Military Children. Following the discussion, the committee will consider any proposed NCSL education policies.
How can states address their educational capacity for training nurses, including remote education, nurse educator salaries, and private institutions that produce nurses?
Hear the latest about federal legislation, budget actions and regulations that will affect your state's human services programs.
Mentoring programs can help legislators and staff learn the ropes, avoid pitfalls and begin building relationships necessary to succeed. This session emphasizes how to make your mentoring programs practical and valuable.
Lenders are offering loan workouts. States and local governments are offering refinancing programs. Federal legislation would allow judges flexibility in bankruptcy proceedings to modify mortgages. Are these mitigation efforts reaching the consumers who need help? How will they affect new homebuyers?
With the future of Yucca Mountain in question, opportunities and challenges face many states. Hear the latest from state legislators and experts who are considering innovative storage solutions for nuclear waste. Note: The committee will vote on an amendment to the "Radioactive Waste Management" policy at the end of this session.
The SORNA title of the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006 tied state conformity on many aspects of sex offender registration to law enforcement grants. Learn about state activity, compliance standards and requests, and funding opportunities.
In its next term, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear a case from North Carolina that could dramatically change the rules for 2010 redistricting for all states. The case will almost certainly resolve one of the most pressing questions about compliance with section 2 of the Voting Rights Act.
Traffic congestion is more than an inconvenience; in aggregate, it wastes 2.9 billion gallons of gasoline each year and costs Americans $78.2 billion. But how does congestion affect individuals, families or specific firms? What solutions have proven successful and what new strategies are worth considering?
The final TANF regulations recently published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services modified the interim rule that forced significant changes to state welfare programs. Hear an overview of the new regulations and gain insight on how to maintain state flexibility under the new provisions.
Learn about legislation that's being introduced to set up a national sourcing method for states to use in taxing VOIP communications.
Under the Telecommunications Act of 1996, states were allowed to tax satellite TV but not local governments. Some states are taxing satellite television at a higher rate than cable television by including the local tax that is paid by cable.
Following several highly publicized mining accidents in 2007, Congress is assessing mine safety and implementation of the MINER Act of 2006. Hear about state and federal efforts to address new concerns about the safety of the nation’s mines.
These two questions may appear simple, but there are many nuances to how states define competitiveness and communities of interest. An understanding of these concepts will help prepare you for the next round of line drawing.
Federal budget decisions have major implications for states. Hear the latest federal proposals and discuss the potential impacts on state finances.
Connecting exiting prisoners with community-based clinics and services can help them make a successful transition to the community. A nationally recognized prisoner re-entry program is highlighted.
Committee members will hold a hearing on NCSL's expiring Rail Regulation policy and other state legislative interests in freight and passenger rail. Parties interested in testifying before the Committee should notify Jeremy Meadows (202-624-8664) by April 14, 2008; oral statements should be limited to 3 minutes though more complete written testimony may be distributed at the hearing. The witness list will be announced no later than April 18, 2008.
The group will consider the current Human Services and Welfare Committee policy on TANF and the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG).
With more than half the states and over 40 percent of the nation's electrical load operating under state-passed Renwable Portfolio Standards (RPS), attention has shifted in the last year to the federal level. Three separate proposals to implement a national RPS were before Congress in 2007, but none was included in the Energy Security and Independence Act. Learn about the pros and cons of a national RPS.
This meeting is at an off-site location. Meet in the lobby of the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill at 11:30 am for transportation to the meeting. This meeting is for NHCSL members only.
State, district and school leaders will share successful strategies, programs and partnerships that have helped districts recruit, prepare and support effective school leaders.
NCSL gratefully acknowledges the support of The Wallace Foundation for this session.
Talk informally about key topics for the Legislative Effectiveness Committee. Designated table topics at the luncheon include the role of lobbyists, trends in legislative training, and reestablishing respect across party lines. Attendees choose the table and conversation in which to participate.
Learn about important issues before the Court this term, with particular attention to those with federalism implications.
Committee members will review policies and consider future committee activities.
Particularly in a time of limited financial resources, the federal budget process, rules and calendar can constrain options for state budgets, and federal policymakers often lack understanding about how a state budget is reached. This interactive session will explore the interconnections between federal and state budget actions.
Committee members will discuss state redistricting and election developments and share an informal lunch.
Committee members will consider any policy statements and resolutions, hear a report of the Task Force on Corporate Formation, and discuss issues they would like to hear about in the next year.
Members will learn about a variety of health issues, including proposed cuts and other changes in Medicaid.
Federal and state government roles are intertwined in funding and administering unemployment benefits. Learn about recent federal and state activity to ensure the program is properly funded and effectively serves workers and businesses.
Members will discuss and act on committee business, review existing policies scheduled to sunset, and discuss any new policy resolutions.
The latest NCSL State Budget Update will kick off this roundtable discussion of current budget conditions in the states. Come prepared to share your tax and budget dilemmas and solutions.
How can you better communicate with your constituents? Explore how to educate and reach out to your consituents and actively engage them in your legislative work. Learn how to run a great "town hall" meeting.
Explore recent state action to keep young people in the juvenile justice system and discuss policies on how and when juvenile records should be sealed.
The business community, state employee wellness incentives and insurance market initiatives to promote employee wellness have provided many benefits, including productivity and health cost savings. Schools also are adding award-winning wellness centers.
Committee members will discuss NCSL transportation policy positions, vote on resolutions, hear a report from NCSL's Surface Transportation Reauthorization Working Group, get updates on activities in Washington and from the NCSL Transportation Program, and engage in a roundtable on transportation issues.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury has released its report on the future of regulation for the financial services industry. Should the recommendations be implemented, the ability of states to maintain the current regulatory authority for banks insurance and securities could be seriously challenged. The session will provide a discussion on what Treasury is recommending and how it will impact state financial services’ regulation.
New research has given insight into key early indicators of school dropout, and some states are developing plans to foster school/community partnerships that provide timely interventions and support to help young people succeed. How can we help more students reach graduation? How should these concerns be addressed in the current national discussion about school dropouts?
The data requirements for redistricting are massive. What will the 2010 database look like? What should be included? What should be left out? When is it too late to start building the database?
NCSL staff will review recent and upcoming state legislation and provide updates on recent federal action and expected impacts, including the farm bill, climate change legislation, and the budget and appropriations process.
Uncertainties have dogged the U.S. economy for many months. Why is it so difficult to know whether a recession is just around the corner? What does the future hold? Explore these questions from an economist's perspective.
In the heat of the legislative session, the interim period seems like an oasis where legislators and staff can relax and recharge. Now, however, it has become a time for legislatures to address more complicated issues and seek wider public input.
State interest in health reform creates special challenges for covering patients who are considered "high risk" and high cost. The sickest 10 percent of our population account for more than 60 percent of U.S. health spending. How should these people be treated by insurance market underwriting practices? What are the roles of state-sponsored high-risk pools, the health insurance industry, government, providers and the high-cost individuals themselves in providing and paying for care?
Now showing on the NFL Network. . .Big Ten Network. . .the MLB Network. . .As more sports leagues start their own television networks, consumers are missing out on the big games. Who is to blame? Come hear a lively discussion about who should pay.
Water policy was once primarily a Western issue, but droughts in the East and rapid population growth in many states have made water a key issue nationally. How do legislatures address the issue of water and energy production, agricultural and environmental needs, and what comes out of our faucets?
Examine the link between aviation and urban and rural economic development, hear an update on FAA reauthorization, and discuss NCSL's expiring aviation policy.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has recently stepped up its raids on worksites to enforce the prohibition on hiring unauthorized workers. How are federal agencies interacting with state agencies in these efforts? How do these raids affect the well-being of children and how can child welfare agencies be prepared?
States are being asked to participate in the critical phase 2 of the census redistricting data program. Learn details of phase 2, and discuss the American Community Survey data and how its release will affect 2010 redistricting.
The two-thirds reduction in Justice Assistance Grants Congress approved in FY 2008 will leave many law enforcement, community supervision, juvenile justice, and related crime enforcement and prevention programs without adequate resources. Hear about state and local effects and efforts under way to restore crucial state and local funding.
During the past decade, tuition and fees at public four-year colleges have risen by at least 50 percent, and student financial aid has not kept pace. Hear about what is driving higher education expenses, learn how states are addressing the increases, and discuss recent federal efforts to force states to maintain higher education appropriation levels to help control tuition costs.
Committee officers and members will discuss plans for the Legislative Summit and committee work products.
Members will review policies reported from the Standing Committees and determine the calendar for the Saturday business meeting.
Buses to the German Ambassador's Residence will depart promptly from the front entrance of the Hyatt at 4:45 pm. One bus will depart from the Hilton's main entrance. Due to the distance between the hotels and residence, shuttling back and forth will not be offered. Buses will begin departing the residence at 6:50 pm. Buses will depart no later than 7:00 pm.
NCSL gratefully acknowledges Barr Pharmaceuticals for its support of the Spring Forum's closing reception.
The European Union's ambassador to the United States, John Bruton, is a former Irish prime minister, who helped transform the Irish economy into the "Celtic Tiger," one of the fastest growing economies in the world. Since taking up his position in Washington in 2004, Bruton has had one-to-one meetings with over 250 Members of Congress to explain major EU developments and discuss the importance of the EU-US relationship in matters of trade, counterterrorism, public health, energy, the environment and the promotion of peace, democracy and human rights around the world.
Forum delegates will debate and vote on NCSL's policy statements and resolutions passed out by the committees. All Forum participants are invited to attend.
During the last decade, the demographic make-up of public schools has changed dramatically. Latinos now represent the fastest growing segment of the nation's school-age population, and numerous educational initiatives are occurring to narrow the achievement gap for these students. Hear about a successful ENgaging LAtino Communities for Education (ENLACE) program that comprehensively addresses educational needs of the Latino community.
Information on the Working Group is available at http://www.ncsl.org/standcomm/sctran/reauthorizationgroup.htm, and an agenda will be provided separately.
This meeting is for NHCSL members only.
© 2008 National Conference of State Legislatures, All Rights Reserved
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