State-Federal Relations

March 11, 2008

The Honorable Harry Reid
Majority Leader
United States Senate
S-221, U.S. Capitol
Washington, D.C. 20510

The Honorable Mitch McConnell
Minority Leader
United States Senate
S-230, U.S. Capitol
Washington, D.C. 20510

Honorable Kent Conrad
Chairman, Budget Committee
United States Senate
Room 530 - Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510

Honorable Judd Gregg
Ranking Member, Budget Committee
United States Senate
Room 393 - Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510

RE: FY 2009 SENATE BUDGET RESOLUTION ( Download PDF Version)

Dear Senators Reid, McConnell, Conrad and Gregg:

The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) supports S. Con. Res. 70 as passed by the Senate Budget Committee for its provisions that continue or expand our collaborative efforts on numerous state-federal programs, that avoid cost shifts to states and that attempt to ameliorate the burdens of unfunded federal mandates on state budgets. S. Con. Res. 70 also leaves the door open for consideration of a second economic stimulus package, which could include state fiscal relief and additional funding for various other priorities NCSL has noted in prior communications.

NCSL is particularly supportive of language that would allow for delay of the implementation of certain Medicaid regulations, provide additional funding to cover some of our unmet infrastructure needs, prioritize homeland security and law enforcement grant programs that have experienced severe reductions and fix unfortunate changes made to the child support enforcement program two years ago. Weakening economic conditions make it most clear that states are not positioned to take on more unfunded mandates. Therefore, the budget resolution’s mention of funding for special education, state water revolving funds, homeland security and transportation programs is significant and gives us positive expectations for the FY 2009 appropriations process. The budget resolution’s emphasis on reauthorizing the State Children’s Health Insurance Program, extending optional sales tax deductibility for taxpayers, extending the Transitional Medical Assistance program and accenting a variety of energy assistance programs is also reassuring.

S. Con. Res. 70 stands as a commitment to intergovernmental collaboration and responsible funding for the many programs through which services and benefits are delivered. It enjoys NCSL’s support and we stand prepared to assist in executing its provisions and commitments once passed.

Please feel free to contact Michael Bird (202 624-8686) or Molly Ramsdell (202 624-3584) in NCSL's Washington office if you have any questions or would like further information.

Sincerely,

Representative Donna Stone
Delaware House of Representatives
President, NCSL

Representative Joe Hackney
North Carolina House of Representatives
President-Elect, NCSL

To view a copy of the NCSL letter regarding the House FY 2009 Budget Resolution, click here Adobe PDF .