NCSL Legislative Summit
July 22-26, 2008
New Orleans, Louisiana

Labor and Economic Development
Preliminary Agenda

(as of July 2, 2008)

Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday

Tuesday, July 22, 2008
7:00 am-5:00 pm	Registration
3:30 pm-4:30 pm Hilton Riverside: Gradne Ballroom A--Street Level	Business Incentives:  Attracting Arts and Entertainment Industries States offer incentives to the arts, sports and entertainment industries as a means of revitalizing arts districts, enhancing the cultural climate and promoting tourism. In return, these industries create jobs, attract new businesses and bring in tax revenue. This session examines state tax policies on arts, sports and entertainment. Presiding: Representative Phillip Frye, North Carolina Chair, NCSL Labor and Economic Development Committee Speakers: Jay Dick Americans for the Arts Washington, D.C. Gaye Hamilton Cultural Economy Program Coordinator Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, Office of Cultural Development  Gaye Hamilton's Presentation Sherri McConnell Office of Entertainment Industry Development Baton Rouge, Louisiana
4:30 pm-5:30 pm Hilton Riverside: Grande Ballroom A--Street Level	Business Incentives: Courting Foreign Manufacturers Foreign direct investment (FDI) plays a major role in the U.S. economy, both as a key driver of the economy and an important source of innovation, exports and jobs.  The U.S. Commerce Department's "Invest in America" program helps encourage foreign investment, but most promotion efforts and all incentives decisions lie with state policymakers.  This session will explore FDI promotion and several case studies on related state incentive programs. Presiding: Representative Brent Yonts, Kentucky Vice Chair, NCSL Labor and Economic Development Committee Speaker: Aaron Brickman Director, Invest in America U.S. Department of Commerce Washington, D.C.  Aaron Brickman's Presentation Paul Piquado Executive Director Office of Trade Policy for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Toyota Motor Company (Invited)
5:45 pm-6:45 pm Hilton Riverside: Jefferson Ballroom--Third Level	Steering Committee The Steering Committee is comprised of the overall standing committee officers and the legislator chair and staff chair, or their designee, of each standing committee. Members will review the committees' plans for the Annual Meeting, preview any policies anticipated for debate, and make determinations regarding joint and re-referral of the policy resolutions if necessary.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
7:00 am-5:00 pm	Registration
7:30 am-8:30 am Convention Center: R06--Second Level	NCSL/Annie E. Casey Breakfast: The High Cost of Being Poor Joint with Human Services and Welfare Committee Low-income families must pay more of their income for everyday goods and services than other households. Examine solutions that help communities and working families get ahead. Speaker:  Matt Fellowes, Director, Safe Banking Opportunities Project Pew Charitable Trusts Washington, D.C.
8:30 am-9:00 am Convention Center: R06--Second Level	Joint Policy Session: Maintaining the Solvency of Social Security & Protecting the Integrity of Social Security Numbers Joint with Human Services and Welfare Committee The Human Services and Welfare Committee and the Labor and Economic Development Committee will consider two expiring joint policies, Maintaining the Solvency of Social Security and Protecting the Integrity of Social Security Numbers. Presiding: Representative Phillip Frye, North Carolina Chair, NCSL Labor and Economic Development Committee Representative Pete Hershberger, Arizona Chair, NCSL Human Services and Welfare Committee
9:00 am-10:00 am Convention Center: 218-219--Second Level	World Trade Organizations Negotiations Hope is fading for completing the World Trade Organization's Doha Round negotiations before the end of the Bush Administration. And the expiration of Presidential Trade Promotion Authority may complicate matters. Review these issues in light of NCSL's expiring policies. Presiding: Representative Julie Fisher, Utah Vice Chair, NCSL Labor and Economic Development Committee Speakers: Tom Fine Director of Services Negotiations, USTR Washington, D.C.  Tom Fine's Presentation Peter Riggs Director, Forum on Democracy and Trade New York Wal Mart (invited)  PDF Version
10:15 am-11:45 am Convention Center: La Louisiane Ballroom--First Level	Opening General Session: Energy, Economic and Environmental Sustainability Rising energy prices, rolling brown-outs and U.S. dependency on foreign fuel have brought our vulnerable energy supply to the forefront of state policymakers' agendas. How can the U.S. maintain the delicate balance between energy, economic and environmental sustainability? Hear Fred Krupp, president of the Environmental Defense Fund, and Marvin Odom, president of Shell Oil, discuss possible solutions. Speakers: Fred Krupp, President, Environmental Defense Fund Marvin Odom, President, Shell Oil
12:00 pm-2:00 pm Convention Center: 218-219 Second Level	Committee Lunch: Perspectives on Housing Sponsored by the National Association of Home Builders, the International Council of Shopping Centers, Mortgage Bankers Association, National Association of Realtors, National Multi Housing Council, and Americans for the Arts Policymakers are recognizing that adequate and affordable housing can take many forms, including apartments, condominiums, cooperatives, single-family homes and manufactured housing. Come hear about programs and initiatives from representatives of different areas of the housing industry. Presiding: Gilbert Loredo, Texas Staff Chair, NCSL Labor and Economic Development Committee Speakers: Frank Vaccarella Deputy Assistant Secretary U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Ken Jackson RE/MAX Professionals (representing the National Association of Realtors) South Carolina Brooke Ransom Director of Industry Relations National Association of Home Builders Washington, D.C.  Brooke Ransom's Presentation Meghan Sullivan Director of State Government Mortgage Bankers Association Online Resources: Home Loan Learning Center: www.homeloanlearningcenter.com HOPE NOW: http://www.hopenow.com/
2:15 pm-3:30 pm Convention Center: 218-219 Second Level	The Economic Impact of Public Pensions The stability of state pension funds has recently come into question.  Their viability is important to retirees and also has an enormous impact on state economies.  Examine the impact of public pensions, with a national perspective and examples from the states. Presiding: Representative Steve Conway, Washington Immediate Past Chair, NCSL Labor and Economic Development Committee Speaker: Beth Almeida Executive Director National Institute on Retirement Security Washington, D.C. Patricia Macht Assistant Executive Director California Public Employees' Retirement System Sacramento, California  Patricia Macht's Presentation Pat Robertson Executive Director Public Employees' Retirement System of Mississippi Jackson, Mississippi
3:30 pm-5:00 pm Convention Center: 218-219 Second Level	Labor and Economic Development Committee Business Meeting Members of the committee will discuss and act on committee business, including a review of policies scheduled to expire, as well as any new policy resolutions submitted for consideration. (Click here to view a list of policies set to expire in August 2008.) Presiding: Representative Phillip Frye, North Carolina Chair, NCSL Labor and Economic Development Committee
5:15 pm-6:15 pm Convention Center: 229-230 Second Level	Steering Committee The Steering Committee will review policies reported from the standing committees and determine the calendar for Friday’s business meeting.
6:30 pm-9:30 pm Louisiana Superdome	Opening Night Event: Louisiana Jamboree Social Event  Jamboree Join us for a unforgettable family-friendly event at the Louisiana Superdome. Enjoy the food, music and entertainment that makes New Orleans internationally famous. French Quarter Jazz, Riverboat Ragtime, Rhythm and Blues, New Orleans Funk and Mardi Gras merriment are all part of the celebration. Pete Fountain, Dukes of Dixieland and Ellis Marsalis will rock your soul with electrifying performances and tributes to some of the city's greatest musical legends: Louis Armstrong and Fats Domino. A special kids zone will include karaoke, rock climbing, and arts and crafts. A fantastic festival of magical music and food ... all under one big top on one big night ... an “only in New Orleans” experience.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
6:30 am-8:00 am     7:00 am-5:00 pm	4th Annual Bipartisan Bike Ride Bikes, helmets and riding advice will be provided by Bike Texas.  So hop on, see the Big Easy, and get some exercise all in one fell swoop.  Registration, on a first-come, first-served basis is required.  Contact Douglas Shinkle at douglas.shinkle@ncsl.org for more information. Registration
7:30 am-9:00 am Convention Center Hall: B2-1--First Level	Continental Breakfast
8:00 am-9:45 am Convention Center: 229-230 Second Level	The World and the U.S. Economies: No Country Is an Island Joint with Budgets and Revenue Committee The world economy has never been so tightly coupled by trade and financial flows. If you've wondered about how it all works (or doesn't), here's your opportunity to talk with a top economist about the U.S. role in world markets. Bring your questions and comments to this fascinating discussion. Speaker: David Wyss, Chief Economist Standard and Poors  David Wyss' Presentation
10:00 am-11:30 am	Issue Forums/Concurrent Sessions: Economic Thunderstorms: Will they Drench State Budgets? Convention Center: 229-230--Second Level The nation’s mortgage crisis has rocked the economy and spawned talk of a national recession.  Economist David Wyss of Standard and Poor’s will put the economic picture – and what it means for the states – in focus.  David Wyss' Presentation Watching the Retirement Dollars Convention Center: 210--Second Level State retirement funds range from billions to hundreds of billions of dollars that, in most states, legislators are not well-equipped to monitor.  Hear how state pension commissions and state pension studies strengthen legislators’ abilities to meet the responsibility of oversight. Moderator: Andrea Wilko Staff Vice Chair, NCSL Labor and Economic Development Committee Patricia Bishop Principal Legislative Analyst JLARC, Virginia Speakers: Aristotle Hutras Director, Ohio Retirement Study Council Columbus, Ohio Matthew Smith Office of the State Actuary Olympia, Washington  Matthew Smith's Presentation
11:30 am-1:30 pm Convention Center Hall: B2-1, Second Level	Exhibit Hall Lunch
1:00 pm-2:30 pm	Issue Forums/Concurrent Sessions Building a Workforce for the Future: The State Role Convention Center: 203-205--Second Level Developing a vital workforce requires big picture thinking and coordinating stakeholders in education, economic development, fiscal, workforce, commerce and human resources.  Identify the legislative actions required to build a workforce to compete in the global economy. Moderator: Representative Steve Conway, Washington Immediate Past Chair, NCSL Labor and Economic Development Committee Speakers: Roberts Jones Education Workforce Policy LLC Alexandria, Virginia  Roberts Jones' Presentation George Scott Director, Education, Workforce and Income Security Issues Government Accountability Office Washington, D.C.  George Scott's Presentation Mike Petters President, Shipbuilding Division Northrop Grumman Newport News, Virginia  Mike Petters' Presentation Mortgage Boom and Bust Convention Center: 210--Second Level With foreclosures climbing and housing markets cooling, homeowners and communities face financial challenges.  Borrowers face the loss of their homes and credit problems, lenders face lost revenue, and regulators face questions about their role in failing to protect consumers.  Hear how policymakers and industry can work together to address mortgage lending issues. Speakers: Joe Falk National Association of Mortgage Brokers, Florida Chris Kukla Center for Responsible Lending, North Carolina Steve O'Connor Mortgage Bankers Association, Washington, D.C. Marietta Rodriguez NeighborWorks America, Washington, D.C. Frank Vaccarella HUD, Washington, D.C.
2:45 pm-4:00 pm Convention Center: La Louisiane Ballroom--First Level	General Session: A Conversation on Solving America's Challenges Speakers will discuss what is needed to move America beyond gridlock to solving our biggest issues, including health care, education and the environment, with innovation and originality. Speakers: Newt Gingrich, Former Speaker, U.S. House of Representatives, District of Columbia Lee Hamilton, 9/11 Commission, District of Columbia
4:15 pm-5:45 pm	States’ Night
Friday, July 25, 2008
6:30 am-8:00 am 7:00 am-9:00 am Convention Center Hall: B2-1--First level	Walk for Wellness The Walk for Wellness is dedicated to raising awareness of the devastating effects heart disease, diabetes and obesity have on our nation while drawing special attention to the health disparities that exist in minority and underserved communities. The 5K fun run/walk is open to all Legislative Summit attendees. Meet at the World Trade Center, just steps from the Convention Center, for kick-off activities, and follow a route along the Mighty Mississippi. Networking Roundtables: Continental Breakfast Meet with your colleagues from across the country while enjoying some fresh Southern pastries and refreshments.  Exchange your ideas, experiences and insights as well as your business cards!
7:30 am-9:00 am	Registration
8:00 am-9:30 am	Issue Forums/Concurrent Sessions Health Care Reform: An Economic Imperative? Convention Center: R04-R05, Second Level Most Americans receive health care coverage through their employer.  But businesses are increasingly concerned about whether they can continue providing it to their existing workforce and retirees.  In our global economy, health care costs have a huge impact on the economic competitiveness of businesses.  How are they responding to the challenge? Moderator: Representative James Johnson, Delaware Vice Chair, NCSL Labor and Economic Development Committee Speaker: Charles Kolb, President, Committee for Economic Development Washington, D.C. Len Nichols Center for Studying Helath System Change Washington, D.C. Andrew Webber National Business Coalition on Health Washington, D.C. Budgets on the Brink: Plotting a Course in Turbulent Times Convention Center: R02, Second Level State finances are deteriorating, in some cases significantly. Anemic revenue collections have generated growing budget gaps, causing lawmakers to spring into action to close them. Explore recent state strategies to manage budget shortfalls and what's on the horizon if budget problems persist. Moderator: Representative Mark L. Maddox , Tennessee Legislature Speakers: Representative Maxine Bell , Idaho Legislature, Idaho Senator R. Edward Houck , State Senate, Virginia Representative Ray Sansom , Florida Legislature, Florida  Representative Sansom's Presentation
9:45 am-11:45 am Convention Center: La Louisiane Ballroom--First Level	General Session: The Changing Face of America and NCSL Business Meeting James Johnson, a noted demographer, will demonstrate how our changing racial and ethnic population will transform the nation and create a new demand for a diverse workforce in our social, economic and political institutions. Speaker: Dr. James Johnson, Director, Urban Investment Strategies Center, Frank Hawkins Kenan Institute, University of North Carolina, Kenan-Flagler Business School, North Carolina
12:00 pm-1:45 pm	Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee Annual Luncheon (Hilton Riverside: Napoleon Ballroom--Third Level) Republican Legislative Campaign Committee Annual Luncheon (Marriott New Orleans at the Convention Center: Blaine Kern Ballroom)
2:00 pm-3:30 pm	Issue Forums/Concurrent Sessions Employment Law 101 Hilton Riverside: Grand Salon Sections 3,6,9--Street Level State legislatures have been slow to respond to rapidly changing employment law, sometimes to their detriment. Protect your employees and your legislature by attending this discussion of trends, warnings, key requirements and awareness training with one of the nation's foremost authorities on employment law. Strengthening Military-Community Partnerships Hilton Riverside: Jasperwood--Third Level Military installations are partners with their communities, providing boosts to local economies while strengthening national security. But as communities grow and bases realign, development pressures and demands for services can inhibit military training and the ability of local governments to pay for new roads, housing and schools. Explore how legislatures can help both sides work together.
6:00 pm-10:00 pm World War II Museum and Contemporary Arts Center	This Land is Your Land Social Event This Land is Your Land Rejoice in the spirit of our country as New Orleans opens the doors to the only museum in the nation dedicated to World War II. Music of the era will sweep you back to a time when brave men and women shipped out to defend international freedom. Hear oral histories of those who united to protect life, liberty and our pursuit of happiness. Just steps away at the Contemporary Arts Center, enjoy an exhibition of art, photography and essays of students that display the beauty and majesty of our disappearing wetlands. High energy Cajun Zydeco music will wash over you like the waves of the Gulf of Mexico, where barrier islands, misty marshes, and mysterious swamps form the first line of defense for coastal Louisiana. Bring the kids--there will be fun, food, music and activities to delight all ages.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
8:30 am-10:30 am Convention Center: La Louisiane Ballroom--First Level	General Session Breakfast: Election 2008 Two of the nation's premier pollsters and political analysts from opposite sides of the aisle—Kellyanne Conway and Celinda Lake—will provide a perspective on what the 2008 election means for policy now and in the new year. Speakers: Kellyanne Conway, President & CEO, The Polling Company, Inc., Washington, District of Columbia Celinda Lake, President, Lake Research Partners, Washington, District of Columbia
10:30 am-4:00 pm	Post Conference/ Special Activities

Chair:  Representative Phillip Frye, North Carolina  Staff Chair:  Gilbert Loredo, Texas      Vice Chairs:  Senator Rosa Franklin, Washington    Senator Bill Heath, Georgia     Senator Gary LeBeau, Connecticut    Representative Julie Fisher, Utah    Representative James Johnson, Delaware    Representative Brent Yonts, Kentucky      Staff Vice Chairs:  Jill Fike, Georgia     Jeanne Schmedlen, Pennsylvania    Andrea Wilko, Utah      Immediate Past Chair:  Representative Steve Conway, Washington  Immediate Past Staff Chair  Nelson Fox, Ohio

Meeting Information

• Meeting Home Page
• Program Agenda
• Registration Information
• Online Registration
• Housing 
• Travel

Four ways to register

• Online
• Fax: 303-364-7811
• Mail: NCSL Registration
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• Onsite

Committee Staff Contacts

• Diana Hinton Noel
• Jeanne Mejeur
• Jeremy Meadows (International Trade)
• Robert Strange