NCSL Spring Forum Agenda April 2003

NCSL's Standing Committees Spring Forum
Preliminary Master Agenda

April 24-27, 2003
Park Plaza Hotel
Boston, Massachusetts

As of April 22, 2003

COME TO THE SPRING FORUM Get the latest information on federal activity and the impacts on states; find out how your colleagues in other states are coping with tight budgets and other challenging issues; network with legislators and legislative staff from around the country.

EVERYONE IS WELCOME
Whether you are a legislator or legislative staff, whether you have been appointed to one of the new Standing Committees, whether you are a member of an old AFI or ASI committee, or whether you are simply interested in these state and federal issues, you are welcome to participate in this meeting.

Agendas
Standing Committees

Agendas
Staff Sections, Ancillary Groups and Others

Agriculture and Rural Development
Budgets and Revenue
Communications, Technology and Interstate Commerce
Economic Development, Trade and Cultural Affairs
Education
Energy and Electric Utilities
Environment and Natural Resources
Financial Services
Health
Human Services and Welfare
Labor and Workforce Development
Law and Criminal Justice
Legislative Effectiveness and State Government
Redistricting and Elections
Transportation

HRSA's Office of Rural Health Policy

Sessions marked with CLE may be eligible for Continuing Legal Education credit. CLE application materials will be provided so that attendees may apply for credit in their state.

Thur sday, April 24, 2003
7:30 am - 5:30 pm		How Can Rural Development and Health and Human Services Improve Small Communities? The Role for States Beacon Hill Room, Fourth Floor Sponsor: The U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration's Office of Rural Health Policy This one-day workshop will present and debate opportunities for states to effectively link their rural development initiatives to improving small town health care and human services. For more information, call Tim Henderson at 202-624-3573.
8:30 am - 4:30 pm		Disaster Preparedness: Implementation or the Model State Emergency Health Powers Act Arlington Room, Mezzanine
10:00 am - 4:00 pm		Task Force to Streamline and Simplify Insurance Regulation White Hill Room, Fourth Floor
11:00 am - 4:00 pm		Children's Policy Initiative Advisory Group St. James Room, Fourth Floor
11:00 am - 6:00 pm		Registration Exeter Foyer, Mezzaniner
12:00 pm - 5:00 pm		Immunization Roundtable Stanbro Room, Mezzanine This is an invitational meeting sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For more information, please contact Jo Donlin at 303-364-7700.
12:30 pm - 2:00 pm		Women's Legislative Network and Women in Government Luncheon (By invitation only) Lexington Room, Fourth Floor Moderator: Senator Liane Sorenson, Delaware Speakers: Jeanne Shaheen, Institute of Politics, Harvard University, Massachusetts Myrna Bair, Women's Leadership Development Program, University of Delaware
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm 1:00 pm - 2:15 pm 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm		Protecting Children on the Internet Whittier Room, Fourth Floor Sponsor: Children's Policy Initiative Combating Online Crimes Against Children (CLE) The Internet offers the promise of many new educational resources and enriching experiences for children, but it is also a source of great concern for many. Americans are most worried about child pornography and online predators who target children. This session will look at the challenges involved and present options for lawmakers seeking to enhance law enforcement efforts in this area. Moderator: Senator Patrice Arent, Utah Speakers: Ruben Rodriguez, National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, Virginia Sgt. Steven Del Negro, Massachusetts State Police, Computer Forensic Unit, Boston Protecting Children from Harmful Materials Online: Options for Lawmakers, Parents and Families (CLE) As children's access to the Internet continues to expand-41 percent of all children ages 3 through 17 had access to the Internet at home in 2001-so do efforts to protect children from harmful materials on the Internet. This session will review court decisions relating to controlling online pornography and will present options for lawmakers, parents and families looking to protect children from harmful materials online. Moderator: Senator Patrice Arent, Utah Speakers: Herb Lin, National Research Council, Washington, D.C. Paula Bruening, Center for Democracy and Technology, Washington, D.C. Bruce Taylor, National Law Center, Virginia
2:00 pm - 6:00 pm		National Legislative Program Evaluation Society Executive Committee Meeting (NLPES) Cabot Room, Fourth Floor Presiding: Heather Moritz, State Auditor's Office, Colorado
2:00 pm - 6:00 pm		Task Force on Protecting Democracy Stuart Room, Fourth Floor
5:00 pm - 6:00 pm		Steering Committee Meeting Cambridge Room, Fourth Floor
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm		Legislating for Results Advisory Group Alcott Room, Fourth Floor
Fri day, April 25, 2003
7:00 am - 6:00 pm		Registration Exeter Foyer, Mezzanine
8:00 am - 9:30 am		Plenary Breakfast: State Fiscal Conditions Georgian Room, Mezzanine The budget challenges facing state legislatures this year are unprecedented. Hear about the latest economic trends and how state legislatures are coping with these tight fiscal times. Welcome: Marion Higa, Hawaii Staff Chair, NCSL Standing Committees Senate President Robert Travaglini, Massachusetts Moderator: Representative Spencer Coggs, Wisconsin Chair, NCSL Standing Committees Speakers: Lynn Browne, Federal Reserve Bank, Boston, Massachusetts Senator Lana Oleen, Senate Majority Leader, Kansas Speaker of the House Thomas Finneran, Massachusetts Corina Eckl, National Conference of State Legislatures, Colorado The National Conference of State Legislatures is pleased to acknowledge The Karol Group, Inc. and the Greater Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau for sponsoring this breakfast.
9:45 am - 10:15 am		Federal Update from EPA Beacon Hill Room, Fourth Floor Sponsors: Energy and Electric Utilities Committee Environment and Natural Resources Committee Speaker: Sam Napolitano, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C.
9:45 am - 10:45 am		Domestic Security: Legislative Update White Hill Room, Fourth Floor Sponsor: Law and Criminal Justice Committee Homeland security remains a priority concern at all levels of government. This session will include an update on issues before NCSL's Protecting Democracy Task Force; a briefing on anti-terrorism measures before Congress; and what funds will be available to state and local governments to contribute to domestic security. Speakers: Senator Michael Balboni, New York Vice Chair, Law and Criminal Justice Committee Herb Jones, Department of Homeland Security, Washington, D.C.
9:45 am - 11:00 am		Federal Update on Health and Human Services Plaza Ballroom, Mezzanine Sponsors: Health Committee Human Services and Welfare Committee This session will feature an update on federal actions on welfare reauthorization, Medicaid appropriations and budget issues. Co-Presiding: Senator Pamela Redfield, Nebraska Chair, Education Committee Assemblymember Deborah Glick, New York Chair, Human Services and Welfare Committee Speakers: Sheri Steisel, National Conference of State Legislatures Washington, D.C. Joy Johnson Wilson, National Conference of State Legislatures Washington, D.C.
9:45 am - 11:15 am		Federal Communications Commission: Local Phone Competition and Broadband Competition (CLE) Arlington Room, Mezzanine Sponsor: Communications, Technology and Interstate Commerce Committee The FCC recently adopted rules concerning incumbent local exchange carriers' obligations to make elements of their networks available on an unbundled basis to new entrants. The new framework provides for a significant state role in implementing these rules. The impact of the decision will be discussed. Moderator: Steve Kelley, Minnesota Chair, Communications, Technology and Interstate Commerce Committee Speakers: Joan Campion, Law and Public Policy, Northern Region, Illinois Cathy Carpino, Federal Communications Commission, Washington, D.C. Rick Cimerman, National Cable & Telecommunications Association, Washington, D.C. Link Hoewing, Verizon, Washington, D.C. Richard Rubin, AT&T, New Jersey
9:45 am - 11:15 am		The New Legislative Agencies Whittier Room, Fourth Floor Sponsor: Legislative Effectiveness and State Government Committee With demographic changes, legislative agencies are competing more directly with the private sector to attract new talent. Also, many legislative staff directors and senior management staff are approaching retirement age. This session provides advice on how agencies should prepare to respond to these changes. Moderator: Karl Aro, Legislative Services, Maryland Staff Chair, Legislative Effectiveness and State Government Committee Speaker: Jonathan Walters, Governing Magazine, New York
9:45 am - 11:15 am		Keeping State Budgets Afloat Clarendon Room, Mezzanine Sponsors: Agriculture and Rural Development Committee Budgets and Revenue Committee Economic Development, Trade and Cultural Affairs Committee Education Committee Many states are dealing with the most disturbing fiscal conditions in a decade, presenting policymakers with both opportunities and significant challenges. This session discusses the latest approaches for dealing with state budget gaps. Facilitator: Corina Eckl, National Conference of State Legislatures, Colorado
9:45 am - 11:15 am		Insurance Regulation for the Modern Economy (CLE) Stuart Room, Fourth Floor Sponsor: Financial Services Committee This session explores the prospects for federal action on insurance regulation and examines state efforts to reform, including the proposed interstate insurance compact. Presiding: Representative Sonny Googins, Connecticut Chair, Financial Services Committee Speakers: Senator Kemp Hannon, New York Co-Chair, Task Force to Streamline and Simplify Insurance Regulation Representative Frank Mautino, Illinois Co-Chair, Task Force to Streamline and Simplify Insurance Regulation Neil Alldredge, National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies, Indiana Jim Poolman, Insurance Commissioner, North Dakota
9:45 am - 11:15 am		Voter ID-Mandates and Controversy Alcott Room, Fourth Floor Sponsor: Redistricting and Elections Committee Perhaps the most controversial section of the new Election Reform Act requires states to combat election fraud by asking for voter identification when citizens register. This will require many states to adopt new voter ID provisions.
9:45 am - 11:15 am		Transportation Committee Meeting Hancock Room, Mezzanine
9:45 am - 12:00 pm		A New Federal Agenda on Work: Reauthorization, Consolidation and PRAs Cabot Room, Fourth Floor Sponsor: Labor and Workforce Development Committee The Bush Administration has proposed sweeping changes to the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) up for reauthorization this year. What roles will legislators play in determining state workforce funding, goals and service delivery under these proposals. Presiding: Assemblyman Felix Ortiz, New York Chair, Labor and Workforce Development Committee Speakers: Christopher Bugbee, U.S. Department of Labor, Washington, D.C. Connie Doty, Jobs and Community Services, Boston Jane McDonald-Pines, AFL-CIO, Washington, D.C.
10:15 am - 11:15 am		Recent State Action in Response to the New Source Review (NSR) Rule Changes Beacon Hill Room, Fourth Floor Sponsors: Energy and Electric Utilities Committee Environment and Natural Resources The attorneys general in 14 states and D.C. have sued the EPA over the agency's final NSR rule while in eight other states attorneys general have filed a brief in support of the EPA's final NSR changes. Both sides will be heard. Speaker: Jim Milkey, Office of the Attorney General, Massachusetts
10:45 am - 12:30 pm		Law and Criminal Justice Committee Business Meeting/Discussion of Policy White Hill Room, Fourth Floor Presiding: Senator Michael Sanchez, New Mexico Chair, Law and Criminal Justice Committee
11:00 am - 1:00 pm		Box lunches will be provided and available on both the mezzanine and fourth floor.
11:00 am - 12:30 pm		Head Start Reform and State Early Childhood Education Plaza Ballroom, Mezzanine Sponsors: Education Committee Human Services and Welfare Committee This session discusses a proposal by the Bush administration on new options for states to be more involved in coordinating Head Start and their early childhood education programs. Co-Presiding: Senator Pamela Redfield, Nebraska Chair, Education Committee Assemblymember Deborah Glick, New York Chair, Human Services and Welfare Committee Speakers: Windy Hill, Head Start Bureau, Washington, D.C. Sarah Greene, National Head Start Association, Virginia
11:30 am - 1:00 pm		Federal Update and Budgets and Revenue Committee Business Meeting Clarendon Room, Mezzanine The FY2004 budget resolution just approved by Congress will have a significant impact on grants to states and lay the groundwork for the annual appropriations process and for federal tax cuts. Are there any prospects for curbing unfunded mandates? Hear about these key matters and join in a discussion on what state legislators can do to affect fiscal issues in the nation's capitol. Presiding: Senator Wayne Bryant, New Jersey Chair, Budgets and Revenue Committee Speakers: Michael Bird, National Conference of State Legislatures, Washington, D.C. Molly Stauffer, National Conference of State Legislatures, Washington, D.C.
11:30 am - 1:00 pm		Telecommunications Rights-of-Way-The Continuing Debate Arlington Room, Mezzanine Sponsor: Communications, Technology and Interstate Commerce Committee The Federal Communications Commission is reviewing the impact of rights-of-way regulations on the ability of telecommunications providers to compete. New model state legislation has been proposed to create uniform standards for use of rights-of-way. This session will talk about this new proposed legislation as a model state law. Moderator: Senator Royal McCracken, South Dakota Speakers: Rick Cimerman, National Cable & Telecommunications Association, Washington, D.C. Meredith Harris, AT&T, Connecticut Marita Hopkins, Attorney, Boston
11:30 am - 1:00 pm		House and Senate Relations: Lessons in Leadership Charles River Room, Fourth Floor Sponsor: Legislative Effectiveness and State Government Committee Some of the strongest legislative battles are between House and Senate. This roundtable discussion session explores strategies for avoiding confrontational battles between the chambers and provides practical tips for establishing a good working relationship. Moderator: Judy Hall, Secretary of the Senate, Oregon Staff Vice Chair, Legislative Effectiveness and State Government Committee Panelists: Senator Lana Oleen, Kansas Senator Bo Trumbo, Virginia
11:30 am - 1:00 pm		Predatory Mortgage Lending Stuart Room, Fourth Floor Sponsors: Economic Development, Trade and Cultural Affairs Committee Financial Services Committee Congress is considering legislation to preempt all state authority to regulate any activities related to mortgage lending, including predatory practices. This session examines federal legislation and regulation and their potential affect on state authority to protect financial consumers against abusive and deceptive mortgage lending practices. Co-Presiding: Representative Donna Stone, Delaware Vice Chair, Financial Services Committee Representative Peter Lewiss, Rhode Island Vice Chair, Economic Development, Trade and Cultural Affairs Committee Speakers: Gregory Jefferson, Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now, Washington, D.C. Colleen Kelly, Credit Union National Association, Washington, D.C. Denis O'Toole, Household International, Washington, D.C. John Ryan, Conference of State Bank Supervisors, Washington, D.C.
11:30 am - 1:00 pm		Redistricting Round-Up Alcott Room, Fourth Floor Sponsor: Redistricting and Elections Committee There are numerous lawsuits pending based on 2002 redistricting including a case before the U.S. Supreme Court from Georgia. This session will review the post-districting document developed jointly with the U.S. Census Bureau that summarizes the 2000 redistricting process. Recent reports from the Census Bureau regarding the quality of 2000 census data will be discussed.
11:30 am - 1:00 pm		Agriculture and Rural Development Committee Business Meeting and Roundtable St. James Room, Fourth Floor Presiding: Senator Larry Mumper, Ohio Vice Chair, Agriculture and Rural Development Committee
11:30 am - 1:00 pm		Rising Health Costs Cambridge Room, Fourth Floor Sponsor: Health Committee This session will examine why health costs are rising and promote a discussion about what states are doing about the impact that rising costs have on both private sector coverage and publicly-funded programs. Presiding: Senator Charles Scott, Wyoming Chair, Health Committee Speakers: Stuart Altman, Brandeis University, Massachusetts Regina Herzlinger, Harvard University, Massachusetts
11:30 am - 1:00 pm		Teen Licensing Hancock Room, Mezzanine Sponsor: Transportation Committee Safety experts will discuss the benefits of graduated driver licensing (GDL) and what various states have accomplished.
11:30 am - 1:00 pm		Foundation for State Legislatures Board of Directors Meeting Beacon Hill Room, Fourth Floor
11:30 am - 2:15 pm		Tour of the RWE Schott Solar Cell Facility Sponsors: Energy and Electric utilities Committee Environment and Natural Resources Committee Tour will include a local state of the art solar cell manufacturing facility that uses laser technology to create more efficient solar cells. The discussion will include information on local and national renewable energy technology projects.
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm		Labor and Workforce Development Committee Business Meeting Cabot Room, Fourth Floor Presiding: Assemblyman Felix Ortiz, New York Chair, Labor and Workforce Development Committee Speakers: Gerri Madrid-Davis, National Conference of State Legislatures, Washington, D.C. Jeanne Mejeur, National Conference of State Legislatures, Colorado Karen Johnson, National Conference of State Legislatures, Washington, D.C.
12:30 pm - 1:30 pm		Business Meeting/Lunch: Early Childhood Education Policy Consideration Plaza Ballroom, Mezzanine Sponsors: Education Committee Human Services and Welfare Committee The current policy on early childhood education will be considered. Co-Presiding: Senator Pamela Redfield, Nebraska Chair, Education Committee Assemblymember Deborah Glick, New York Chair, Human Services and Welfare Committee
1:00 pm - 4:30 pm		Site Visit: Community Resources for Justice Sponsor: Law and Criminal Justice Committee Community Resources for Justice is a nonprofit organization that marks its 125^th year of justice service, education and advocacy in New England this year. Participants will visit Brooke House, a halfway house for men that has operated since 1965, providing residential re-entry services to offenders. (Meet at the Columbus Avenue door by the valet service.)
1:15 pm - 2:15 pm		Looking Out for Small Investors: The States, the SEC and Investor Restitution Stuart Room, Fourth Floor Sponsor: Financial Services Committee States have been investigating conflicts of interest in the investment community for nearly two years and may secure $1 billion or more in penalties. Should this money go to the states or to a federal fund distributed by the Securities and Exchange Commission? This session explores the issue of investor restitution and the states' role in protecting small investors. Speakers: Christine Bruenn, North American Securities Administrators Association, Maine Madeleine Blake, Securities and Exchange Commission, Massachusetts
1:15 pm - 2:15 pm		Agricultural Trade St. James Room, Fourth Floor Sponsors: Agriculture and Rural Development Committee Economic Development, Trade and Cultural Affairs Committee The committees will review expiring joint policy on this issue. Presiding: Representative Sharon Weston Broome, Louisiana Chair, Economic Development, Trade and Cultural Affairs Committee Speakers: John Masswohl, Canadian Embassy, Washington, D.C. William Waren, Forum on Democracy and Trade, Washington, D.C.
1:15 pm - 3:15 pm		Internet Tax Moratorium: Should Congress Make It Permanent? Arlington Room, Mezzanine Sponsors: Budgets and Revenue Committee Communications, Technology and Interstate Commerce Committee The moratorium on state and local taxes on Internet access, the Internet Tax Freedom Act, expires later this year and already legislation has been introduced to make the moratorium permanent. This session will look at the concerns in making the moratorium permanent, such as what is access today and the financial impact on state and local government. Speakers: Neal Osten, National Conference of State Legislatures, Washington, D.C. Scott Mackey, Kimbell Sherman & Ellis, Vermont Steven DelBianco, Association for Competitive Technology, Washington, D.C.
1:15 pm - 3:15 pm		New Models of Collaboration Whittier Room, Fourth Floor Sponsors: Legislative Effectiveness and State Government Committee Redistricting and Elections Committee As the need to save money and promote efficiency continues, some states have created new partnerships with businesses and other organizations. This session highlights some initiatives that promote this expanded view of problem solving and explores their applicability for other state legislatures. Moderator: Sharon Dawes, Center for Technology in Government, New York Panelists: Mark Warren, Harvard Graduate School of Education, Massachusetts Delegate Tim Hugo, Virginia Bernie McKay, Intuit, Washington, D.C.
1:15 pm - 3:15 pm		Medicaid: Containing Costs Cambridge Room, Fourth Floor Sponsor: Health Committee This session will focus on state efforts to contain Medicaid costs and promote discussion among participants. Speakers: Thomas Grannemann, AndoverEcon, Massachusetts Thomas Corra, Boston Consulting Group, Massachusetts David Matheson, Boston Consulting Group, Massachusetts
1:15 pm - 3:15 pm		Tour of the Boston Big Dig Operations Control Center Sponsor: Transportation Committee Participants will learn about the Big Dig's goal of making underground highway improvements and maintaining above ground transportation needs.
1:15 pm - 3:15 pm		Trust Advisory Committee Alcott Room, Fourth Floor
1:30 pm - 3:00 pm		Reauthorization of the Perkins Vocational Education Act Cabot Room, Fourth Floor Sponsors: Education Committee Labor and Workforce Development Committee The 1998 Perkins Act, the federal vocational and technical education statute, and the proposals to reauthorize the law will be reviewed. Federal funds currently constitute approximately 8 percent of aggregate vocational education funding. Updating its policy position on the Perkins Act will be considered. Co-Presiding: Senator Pamela Redfield, Nebraska Chair, Education Committee Assemblyman Felix Ortiz, New York Chair, Labor and Workforce Development Committee Speaker: Virginia O'Brien Irwin, Department of Education, New Hampshire Jane Stevens, Department of Education, New York
1:30 pm - 3:00 pm		Child Welfare in Crisis Plaza Ballroom, Mezzanine Sponsor: Human Services and Welfare Committee Policymakers must make difficult decisions about protecting vulnerable children at a time when state and federal budgets are strained and high profile tragedies highlight failures. This session will review the current health of the child welfare system and what policy responses states are finding best ensure the safety of children. Speakers: Dr. Susan Orr, Administration for Children and Families, Washington, D.C. Doug Howard, Consultant, Michigan
2:15 pm - 3:15 pm		"Toxic Mold" and Insurance Stuart Room, Fourth Floor Sponsor: Financial Services Committee The fear of 'toxic mild' in cellars and bathrooms across the country has led to a national health scare. This session explores the real health concerns of mold and discusses the role of insurance in offsetting the costs and fears of this unexpected public concern. Presiding: Ryan Wilson, Maryland Staff Vice Chair, Financial Services Committee Speakers: Eric Goldberg, American Insurance Association, Washington, D.C. Eugene Benoit, Environmental Protection Agency, Massachusetts Robert Dushman, Attorney, Massachusetts
2:15 pm - 3:15 pm		Respecting Federalism in Trade Agreements St. James Room, Fourth Floor Sponsor: Economic Development, Trade and Cultural Affairs Committee The committee will review expiring policies. Presiding: Representative Sharon Weston Broome, Louisiana Chair, Economic Development, Trade and Cultural Affairs Committee Speakers: John Masswohl, Canadian Embassy, Washington, D.C. William Waren, Forum on Democracy and Trade, Washington, D.C.
2:15 pm - 3:15 pm		Wetlands: Should the Federal Government Define Isolated Waters of the U.S.? Beacon Hill Room, Fourth Floor Sponsors: Agriculture and Rural Development Committee Environment and Natural Resources Committee Speaker: Robert Kinney, National Association of Attorneys General, Washington, D.C.
2:30 pm - 3:15 pm		Carbon Sequestration: The Latest Technologies and Developments Hancock Room, Mezzanine Sponsor: Energy and Electric Utilities Committee Speaker: Dr. Klaus Lackner, Columbia University, New York
2:30 pm - 3:15 pm		Communications, Technology and Interstate Commerce Committee Business Meeting Arlington Room, Mezzanine Discussion and review of policies and resolutions that the committee may consider this year. Presiding: Senator Steve Kelley, Minnesota Chair, Communications, Technology and Interstate Commerce Committee
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm		Policy Discussion: Child Welfare and Family Services Plaza Ballroom, Mezzanine Sponsor: Human Services and Welfare Committee The current policy on child welfare and family services will be considered. Presiding: Assemblymember Deborah Glick, New York Chair, Human Services and Welfare Committee
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm		State Unemployment Trust Funds and Reed Act Funds Cabot Room, Fourth Floor Sponsor: Labor and Workforce Development Committee This session will focus on two related topics: the current status of state unemployment insurance trust funds and state uses of the 2002 Reed Act Distributions. Moderator: Gregory Williams, Office of Legislative Services, New Jersey Staff Vice Chair, Labor and Workforce Development Committee Speakers: Rick McHugh, National Employment Law Project, Michigan Clarita Mrena, General Accounting Office, Washington, D.C.
3:15 pm - 4:15 pm		Brownfields: A Discussion of Innovative State Financing Programs and the New Federal Law Beacon Hill Room, Fourth Floor Sponsor: Environment and Natural Resources Committee Speakers: Lynne Jennings, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region I Office Catherine Finneran, Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
3:15 pm - 4:45 pm		Supporting School Leaders: A Roundtable Discussion White Hill Room, Fourth Floor Sponsor: Education Committee In the quest to improve student achievement for all children, the need to prepare, recruit and retain high quality school leaders becomes more evident. During this session, participants will have the opportunity to hear about the Kennedy School of Government's work with school superintendents and to participate in a roundtable discussion about legislative efforts in the states to support school leaders. Presiding: David Summers, Office Program and Policy Analysis and Government Accountability, Florida Staff Chair, Education Committee Speakers: Sara Chace, Kennedy School of Government, Massachusetts
3:15 pm - 5:00 pm		Energy Security Hancock Room, Mezzanine Sponsor: Energy and Electric Utilities Committee A discussion of the pressing need for improved security around our nation's energy facilities and the national and state-led efforts to tighten security. Speakers: George Simmons, Department of Energy Resources, Massachusetts Matthew Brown, National Conference of State Legislatures, Colorado
3:30 pm - 4:30 pm		Military Voting and Absentee Ballots Alcott Room, Fourth Floor Sponsor: Redistricting and Elections Committee The Help America Vote Act puts new emphasis on guaranteeing Americans overseas, including military personnel, equal access to the ballot box. This session explores ways the military is working with states to make election participation easier for men and women in uniform that includes the Internet.
3:30 pm - 5:00 pm		Legislative Effectiveness and State Government Committee Business Meeting Charles River Room, Fourth Floor Presiding: Senator Bob Stenehjem, North Dakota Chair, Legislative Effectiveness and State Government Committee
3:30 pm - 5:00 pm		Internet Privacy (CLE) Arlington Room, Mezzanine Sponsor: Communications, Technology and Interstate Commerce Committee Consumers express great concerns about their privacy on the Internet and legislatures have introduced hundreds of bills in recent years to address these concerns. This session will look at the kinds of information collected online and what actions, if any, states should take to protect consumers' personal information. Moderator: Senator Steve Kelley, Minnesota Chair, Communications, Technology and Interstate Commerce Committee Speaker: Keith Enright, Virtumundo, Inc., Boston Lee Peeler, Federal Trade Commission, Washington, D.C. Representative Wayne Harper, Utah Paula Bruening, Center for Democracy and Technology, Washington, D.C.
3:30 pm - 5:00 pm		Transportation Financing Clarendon Room, Mezzanine Sponsors: Budgets and Revenue Committee Energy and Transportation Committee Given the implications of the reauthorization of TEA-21, this session will focus on innovative finance solutions for states and ways for states to partner with private industry to leverage scarce transportation dollars and achieve shared goals. Moderator: John Massey, Utah Staff Chair, Budgets and Revenue Committee Speakers: Kimberly Swain, J.P. Morgan, New York Mark Bleazard, Transportation Analyst, Utah
3:30 pm - 5:00 pm		Biotechnology as Cluster Development in New England St. James Room, Fourth Floor Sponsors: Agriculture and Rural Development Committee Economic Development, Trade and Cultural Affairs Committee Cluster development is a relatively new state strategy to encourage business growth. Biotechnology--for agricultural, pharmaceutical, life sciences research and other industries--has emerged as such a cluster. This session will examine the value of cluster development and the Massachusetts biotechnology cluster as a successful example. Co-Presiding: Representative Sheryl Allen, Utah Vice Chair, Economic Development, Trade and Cultural Affairs Committee Representative Clay Pope, Oklahoma Vice Chair, Agriculture and Rural Development Committee Speaker: Erin Flynn, Future Works, Massachusetts
3:30 pm - 5:00 pm		Financial Services Committee Business Meeting Stuart Room, Fourth Floor Presiding: Representative Sonny Googins, Connecticut Chair, Financial Services Committee Speakers: Brian Knight, National Association of State Credit Union Supervisors, Virginia Deborah Fischione House, North American Securities Administrators Association, Washington, D.C. John Ryan, Conference of State Bank Supervisors, Washington, D.C. John Fielding, National Association of Insurance Commissioners, Washington, D.C.
3:30 pm - 5:00 pm		Health Committee Business Meeting Cambridge Room, Fourth Floor During this session, committee members will discuss a draft paper on health cost issues and make recommendations about finalizing the paper to be distributed to key state legislators and staff around the country. Presiding: Senator Charles Scott, Wyoming Chair, Health Committee
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm		State Fiscal Conditions: The Impact on State Human Services Budgets Plaza Ballroom, Mezzanine Sponsor: Human Services and Welfare Committee A presentation on a survey of state budget decisions will be the springboard to a roundtable discussion. Speaker: Jack Tweedie, National Conference of State Legislatures, Colorado
4::15 pm - 5:00 pm		Environment and Natural Resources Business Meeting Beacon Hill Room, Fourth Floor
4:30 pm - 5:00 pm		Redistricting and Elections Committee Business Meeting Alcott Room, Fourth Floor
5:15 pm - 6:00 pm		Steering Committee Meeting Plaza Ballroom, Mezzanine
6:30 pm - 8:00 pm		Reception in the Terrace Room Lower Lobby (Badges must be worn to the reception.)
Saturday, April 26, 2003
7:00 am - 5:00 pm		Registration Exeter Foyer
7:30 am - 8:30 am		Internet Privacy Project Business Meeting White Hill Room, Fourth Floor Members of NCSL's Foundation for State Legislatures Partnership Project on internet privacy will have the opportunity to discuss internet privacy issues and to help shape the agenda for the project. Co-Presiding: Senator Steve Kelley, Minnesota Chair, Communications Technology and Interstate Commerce Committee Representative Roger Roy, Delaware Vice Chair, Communications, Technology and Interstate Commerce Committee
8:15 am - 9:15 am		A continental breakfast will be provided and available on both the mezzanine and fourth floor.
8:45 am - 10:15 am		Betting on the Future of Gaming Revenue Cambridge Room, Fourth Floor Sponsors: Budgets and Revenue Committee Economic Development, Trade and Cultural Affairs Committee Law and Criminal Justice Committee More states are looking at gaming as a possible way to patch current budget holes. This interactive discussion session will explore fiscal and legal issues surrounding gaming, including its viability as a state revenue source and agreements with Indian tribes. Presiding: Senator Wayne Bryant, New Jersey Chair, Budgets and Revenue Committee
8:45 am - 10:15 am		Tips for Communicating in a Wired World Whittier Room, Fourth Floor Sponsors: Communications, Technology and Interstate Commerce Committee Legislative Effectiveness and State Government Committee Redistricting and Elections Committee Over the last decade, legislatures have taken advantage of technology to make their proceedings, bills, votes and reports more available to the public. Now with more than half of the American public online, legislators are finding new challenges to communicating with their constituents. This session provides tips for communicating effectively in a fast-paced digital world. Moderator: Senator Steve Kelley, Minnesota Chair, Communications, Technology and Interstate Commerce Committee Speakers: James Vaughn, America On Line, Virginia Senator Leonard Teitelbaum, Maryland Representative Pam Maier, Delaware Gene Rose, National Conference of State Legislatures, Colorado
8:45 am - 10:15 am		Federal Education Issues Roundtable Charles River Room, Fourth Floor Sponsor: Education Committee Participants will hear how state legislatures are addressing the challenges of implementing the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 and other federal education issues including the reauthorization of the Individual with Disabilities Education Act and the Higher Education Act Presiding: Representative Kory Holdaway, Utah Vice Chair, Education Committee. Facilitator: David Shreve, National Conference of State Legislatures, Washington, D.C.
8:45 am - 10:15 am		Financial Privacy: You and Your Personal Information (CLE) Georgian Room, Mezzanine Sponsor: Financial Services Committee The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act and the Fair Credit Reporting Act both place safeguards on the confidentiality of nonpublic personal information held by a wide array of financial institutions. This session will examine state and federal activities to protect financial privacy. Speakers: Representative William Straus, Massachusetts John Ryan, Conference of State Bank Supervisors, Washington, D.C.
8:45 am - 10:15 am		Welfare and Workforce: Connecting the Dots for Low-Income Workers White Hill Room, Fourth Floor Sponsors: Human Services and Welfare Committee Labor and Workforce Development Committee As welfare recipients leave the welfare caseloads for employment, they often land low-wage jobs that are vulnerable in economic downturns. The federal TANF and WIA re-authorizations offer a chance to discuss better coordination between these programs. Speaker: Jennifer Noyes, Hudson Institute, Wisconsin
8:45 am - 10:15 am		State Issues Roundtable Beacon Hill Room, Fourth Floor Sponsor: Environment and Natural Resources Committee
8:45 am - 10:15 am		Rural Policy Roundtable Alcott Room, Fourth Floor Sponsor: Agriculture and Rural Development Committee This roundtable discussion touches on several rural policy themes including the definition of 'rural' and federal-state-local relationships on rural issues. Presiding: Bobby Gierisch, Professional Staff, Texas Staff Chair, Agriculture and Rural Development Committee Speaker: Barry Denk, Center for Rural Pennsylvania Vice Staff Chair, Agriculture and Rural Development Committee
8:45 am - 10:15 am		Health Committee Business Meeting Hancock Room, Mezzanine Committee members will learn more about their duties in developing NCSL health policies. The committee will also recommend topics for consideration at sessions in conjunction with Annual Meeting in July. Presiding: Representative Peter Batula, New Hampshire Vice Chair, Health Committee
10:30 am - 12:00 pm		NCSL Business Meeting Clarendon Room, Mezzanine
12:15 pm - 2:00 pm		Plenary Lunch: Leadership in Trying Times Georgian Room, Mezzanine This discussion examines the changing roles of state legislatures and the challenges for state legislators in difficult times.
2:15 pm - 4:00 pm		Special Briefings: Prescription Drugs Whittier Room, Fourth Floor This special briefing reviews recent news and trends from the state perspective with a special look at Medicaid changes, the recent multi-state and bulk purchasing projects, and the possibilities of a federally-funded Medicare benefit passing this year. Moderator: Senator Charles Scott, Wyoming Chair, Health Committee Panelists: Senator Catherine Cook, Connecticut Representative David Lemoine, Maine Representative Frank Mazur, Vermont Joy Johnson Wilson, National Conference of State Legislatures, Washington, D.C. Richard Cauchi, National Conference of State Legislatures, Colorado Economic Recovery Terrace Room, Lower Lobby Congress has just passed a $2.2 trillion FY 2004 budget resolution and a FY2003 supplemental appropriation. The budget resolution will have a significant impact on grants to states and lay the groundwork for the annual appropriations process and for federal tax cuts. Moderator: Senator John Doyle, West Virginia Vice Chair, Budgets and Revenue Committee Speaker: Michael Bird, National Conference of State Legislatures, Washington, D.C. Homeland Security White Hill Room, Fourth Floor Come hear about homeland security activities and programs addressing food safety, airport safety, and a host of other issues. In addition, the American Red Cross will discuss their involvement at the federal, state and local level with homeland security efforts highlighting their new Together We Prepare initiative that encourages five actions that every organization, individual and family should take to better prepare for an emergency or disaster. Speakers: Alice Blair, The American Red Cross, Washington, D.C. Paul Tierney, Massachusetts Department of Public Health
Sunday, April 27, 2003
8:30 am - 9:30 am		Continental Breakfast Georgian Room, Mezzanine
9:00 am - 11:30 am		Plenary Session: How to Win the Interview Game Georgian Room, Mezzanine Ever been caught off-guard by a reporter or wished you had answered an interview question differently? Join us for a hands-on workshop, designed especially for legislators and staff, to help you sharpen your skills for dealing with the media. Speaker: Frank Kauffman, Fleishman-Hillard, Washington, D.C.
11:30 am		Meeting Adjourns

NCSL's Standing Committees Spring Forum Preliminary Master Agenda

As of April 22, 2003

HRSA's Office of Rural Health Policy

Sessions marked with CLE may be eligible for Continuing Legal Education credit. CLE application materials will be provided so that attendees may apply for credit in their state.

Thursday, April 24, 2003

Friday, April 25, 2003

The National Conference of State Legislatures is pleased to acknowledge The Karol Group, Inc. and the Greater Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau for sponsoring this breakfast.

Saturday, April 26, 2003

Sunday, April 27, 2003

NCSL's Standing Committees Spring Forum
Preliminary Master Agenda

Thur sday, April 24, 2003

Fri day, April 25, 2003