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NCSL SUBMITS LETTER ON GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TRADE IN SERVICES
On March 24, 2003, Louisiana State Representative and Chair of NCSL's Standing Committee on Economic Development, Trade, & Cultural Affairs Sharon Weston Broome wrote to U.S. Trade Ambassador Robert Zoellick with concerns about on-going negotiations under the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS). NCSL generally supports international trade agreements that generate economic growth and jobs in the states, but is seeking further clarification on the impact that GATS will have on regulated service monopolies, the commercialization of public services, and domestic regulation. View a copy of the letter.
NCSL SURVEYS STATES ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT POLICIES
NCSL recently conducted a survey on economic development funding trends and key economic development legislation in the 2003 sessions. Key issues include funding for economic development agencies, gaming, capital development, technology development, bonds and loan programs and tax incentives. Check out the survey results.
WTO MISSES DEADLINE ON AGRICULTURE NEGOTIATIONS
Trade diplomats missed a March 31 deadline for establishing an agreement on agriculture negotiating modalities through the WTO's Committee on Agriculture. The next deadline for agreeing on these modalities is predicted to be before the September Ministerial in Cancun, Mexico. Negotiations will push forward in the hopes of establishing a global agriculture trade agreement by December 2004. In a joint press release, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Zoellick and Secretary Ann Veneman expressed disappointment that a modalities agreement could not be met at this time and urged the EU and Japan to view the Doha Development Agenda in their best interest. Their statement is posted on the web. On Capitol Hill, the full House Agriculture Committee met last week to discuss trade of biotech products to Africa and the current EU ban on GMOs. NCSL's policy on Agricultural Trade will be reviewed during the Spring Forum in Boston.
NRDC EXAMINES RURAL HOUSING INITIATIVES
The March meeting of the National Rural Development Council examined a wide variety of federal rural housing programs and supports. Representatives of the Office of Rural Housing and Economic Development at HUD, USDA's Rural Housing Service (RHS), and the nonprofit Housing Assistance Council (HAC) presented their programs. Since 1999, the Office of Rural Housing and Economic Development's funding levels have grown from $25 million to $100 million with more than 400 organizations receiving grants nationwide. Since 1949, RHS has invested more than $90 billion in rural areas and its current loan portfolio is $50 billion. The Housing Assistance Council (HAC) is a national nonprofit with the mission to create affordable rural housing. States can tap some of these programs and resources for rural housing initiatives. Please refer the web sites above or contact NCSL for more information.
PLANNING FOR SPRING FORUM MOVES FORWARD
Plan on attending the upcoming Spring Forum in historic Boston, Massachusetts, April 24-27. This meeting is sure to be packed with exciting and relevant sessions meant to highlight significant issues on the current legislative calendar. The Business Meeting will be especially important due to the large number of policies within the Committee's jurisdiction that are up for renewal this year. Please visit the Meeting's website and plan on attending this very important meeting. The Boston Park Plaza Hotel has extended the reservation cut-off to April 21. If you need to make a hotel reservation, please call the hotel directly (617) 426-2000. |
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2002-2003 Officers
Chair
Representative S. Weston Broom
Louisiana
Vice Chairs
Representative Sheryl Allen
Utah
Sentor Richard Kneeland
Maine
Senator Larry Mumper
Ohio
Representative Peter Lewiss
Rhode Island
Represenative Opio Toure
Oklahoma
Staff Chair
Mr. John Rappa
Connecticut
Staff Vice Chairs
Ms. Hanna Shostack
New Jersey
Ms. Anna Blackshaw
California
Committee Staff
Jeremy Meadows
Committee Director
202-624-8664
jeremy.meadows@ncsl.org
Mandy Rafool
Program Principal
303-856-1506
mandy.rafool@ncsl.org
Nick Steidel
Research Analyst
202-624-8673
nick.steidel@ncsl.org
Offices
Headquarters
7700 East First Place
Denver, Colorado 80230
State-Federal Relations
444 North Capitol Street, NW
Suite 515
Washington, DC 20001 |
