12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sheraton

Registration

1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sheraton
Buses will be provided by NCSL between the hotel and the aquarium

Agriculture and International Trade Committee Session
Joint Session with the AFI Environment Committee and the ASI Science, Energy and Environmental Resources Committee

An Afternoon at the Shedd Aquarium
Ants to Zebra Mussels: The A to Z on Invasive Species
Moderator: Senator Beverly Gard, Indiana, Chair, Environment committee
Speakers: Pat Charlebois, Exotic Species Specialist, Illinois Natural History Survey;
Roger Klocek, Director of Conservation, Shedd Aquarium
Dave Thomas, Director, Illinois Natural History Survey
The world-famous Shedd Aquarium on Chicago's lakefront will play host to this special program. Non-indigenous species have been both a boon (corn, wheat, rice) and a menace (noxious weeds, Asian longhorned beetles, fire ants) to plants and animals in the United States. These species cause major environmental damages and losses estimated at $140 billion per year. A panel of experts will discuss public and private initiatives to counter this growing threat, then participants will tour the Shedd Aquarium to see thousands of fish and mammals in their carefully-constructed artificial habitats.

5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Sheraton
Michigan Room, Level 2

Steering Committee Meeting
The Steering Committee will review policy resolutions that the committees of the Assembly on Federal Issues will consider during their meetings on Sunday.

8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sheraton

Registration

8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Sheraton

Agriculture and International Trade Committee Sessions

8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Missouri Room, Level 2

Agricultural Trade with Latin America:
New Opportunities, New Challenges
Moderator: Senator Paul Muegge, Oklahoma, Vice-Chair, Agriculture and International Trade committee
Speaker: Bill Glynn, Senior Advisor for the Americas, U.S. Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service
Negotiators from the U.S., Argentina, Brazil and the other democracies of the Western Hemisphere are currently hammering out a Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) stretching from the Arctic to Tierra del Fuego. Based on the experience of NAFTA, great potential exists in Latin American markets for agricultural goods but, at the same time, competitors relish the prospect of improved access to U.S. consumers. This session will focus on the successes and failures of NAFTA and the FTAA's potential for U.S. agriculture.

9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Missouri Room, Level 2

To Trade or Not to Trade:
The Future of Relations with Cuba
Moderator: Representative Jim Poolman, North Dakota, Vice-Chair, Agriculture and International Trade committee
Speakers: Senator Emil Jones, Illinois;
Kirby Jones, President, Alamar Associates;
Bob Witajewski, Deputy Director, Office of Cuban Affairs, U.S. Department of State
One of the greatest controversies in U.S. trade policy is whether or not to trade with Cuba. What is the potential of the Cuban market for U.S. exporters and what are the issues prohibiting liberalized trade? This discussion will focus on these questions and the lead role states have played in reevaluating trade relations with Cuba.

10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Ontario Room, Level 2

Alternative Fuels Roundtable
Joint Session with the AFI Energy and Transportation Committee
Moderator: Representative Bill Friend, Indiana, Vice-Chair, Agriculture and International Trade committee
Speakers: Matthew Brown, Program Director, NCSL;
Phil Lampert, National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition;
Dena Sue Potestio, Policy Specialist, NCSL
Almost forty states have passed legislation promoting the use of alternative fuels - including electricity, ethanol, methanol and natural gas - to meet state requirements for compliance with the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 and Energy Policy Act of 1992. Federal subsidies are in place to encourage farmers to grow crops that are used in the production of alternative fuels. Have these legislative efforts been effective? Join us for a discussion about the overall effectiveness of alternative fuel vehicle legislation, the components of effective state incentives promoting their use and the economic significance of alternative fuel crop subsidies to the agriculture industry.

1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Superior Room, Level 2

This Is Not Your Father's Hemp
Joint Session with the ASI Science, Energy and Environmental Resources Committee
Moderator: Representative Larry Diedrich, South Dakota, Chair, Agriculture and International Trade committee
Speakers: Donald Briskin, Professor of Plant Biology, University of Illinois;
Ed Moses, Lieutenant, Missouri Highway Patrol;
Representative Cynthia Thielen, Hawaii
Around the nation, there is a new interest in growing industrial hemp as an agricultural crop for use in rope, paper and even clothing. Concerns exist, however, as to whether commercializing hemp production will lead to calls for the decriminalization of marijuana. Several states passed legislation to try to revive hemp farming in 1999 and other legislatures are considering bills. What are the next steps necessary to make hemp a viable cash crop?

2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Missouri Room, Level 2

Farm Bill 2002 and the Future of Freedom to Farm
Moderator: Representative Bill Friend, Indiana, Vice-Chair, Agriculture and International Trade committee
Speakers: J. Read Smith, President-Elect, National Association of Conservation Districts;
Don Vilwock, Vice-President,, Indiana Farm Bureau
Following the 2000 election, lawmakers will begin, in earnest, review of the 1996 Freedom to Farm legislation. Bold proposals are expected to try to better manage price fluctuations, natural disasters and environmental challenges. This session will provide state legislators the opportunity to discuss the future of federal farm policy and NCSL's role in crafting the 2002 farm bill.

4:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Missouri Room, Level 2

Agriculture and International Trade Committee Business Meeting
Speaker: William Waren, Fellow, Harrison Institute of Public Law, Georgetown University Law Center
The committee will consider new resolutions and renewal of the North American Free Trade Agreement policy. All members and alternates should plan to attend this cornerstone of the committee's Annual Meeting agenda.

5:15 p.m. - 6:15 p.m.
Sheraton
Ballroom 2

Steering Committee Meeting
The Steering Committee will review actions taken by Assembly on Federal Issues committees and will establish the calendar for the Annual Business Meeting, which will be held on Wednesday, July 19, at 2:30 p.m.

6:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Field Museum

Social Event

7:30 a.m. - 9:15 a.m.
Navy Pier
Terrace D, Level 2

Continental Breakfast for Delegates

8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Navy Pier/Sheraton

Registration

9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Opening Plenary Session

Navy Pier
Grand Ballroom

State-Federal Priorities in the 2000 Congressional Session
Speaker: Representative J. Dennis Hastert, Illinois, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives
Welcome: Mayor Richard M. Daley, Jr., Chicago, Illinois;
Governor George H. Ryan, Sr., Illinois
Gain insight into the key priorities in the 2000 congressional session and the importance of these issues to state legislatures.

11:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Navy Pier
Exhibit Hall A&B, Level 2

Lunch and Ancillary Sessions

12:45 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.

Concurrent Sessions

Navy Pier
Room 329

Biotechnology: The Answer to Our Problems or a Whole Set of New Ones?
Moderator: Representative Larry Diedrich, South Dakota, Chair, Agriculture and International Trade committee
Speakers: Jean Halloran, Consumers Union;
Sue Harlander, Biorational Consultants, Inc.;
Jim Maryanksi, Food and Drug Administration
Consumer awareness and concerns regarding biotechnology have made federal regulatory mandates regarding genetically modified foods hot topics with state legislatures. Biotechnology advocates claim that it is safe based on "sound science" and that biotechnology opponents prey on public hysteria and ignorance. This session will explore the science behind biotechnology, the tests to ensure its safety and consumer protection.

3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Ancillary Sessions

Navy Pier
Room 329

Agricultural Forum
This session will explore current and emerging agricultural issues facing states and state legislatures. Legislators can pose questions and comments to USDA representatives on issues such as biotechnology, food quality protection, trade, rural development and drought concerns.

5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Navy Pier

2001 Texas Party

8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Navy Pier/Sheraton

Registration

7:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Sheraton
Chicago Ballroom

Legislative Staff Breakfast

8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Sheraton
Sheraton Ballroom

Legislators' Breakfast
Welcome: Representative Michael J. Madigan, Illinois, Speaker of the House;
Senator James "Pate" Philip, Illinois, Senate President

Presentation of the William M. Bulger Excellence in State Legislative Leadership Award
William M. Bulger, former President of the Massachusetts Senate, will present the Excellence in State Legislative Leadership Award to Richard Finan, President of the Ohio Senate, and Lois Deberry, House Speaker Pro Tempore, Tennessee.

Recognition of Legislators with More Than 40 Years' Service

State and Local Taxation of Electronic Commerce
Speakers: Mayor Ron Kirk, Dallas, Texas;
Representative Matthew Kisber, Tennessee;
Arthur C. Martinez, President and Chief Executive Office, Sears, Roebuck and Co.;
Senator Steve Rauschenberger, Illinois
The rapid development of commerce over the Internet raises fundamental federalism questions and could threaten the long-term viability of state and local governments. But electronic commerce also presents state and local officials with the opportunity to simplify and modernize their revenue systems. This panel, including co-chairs of NCSL's Task Force on Electronic Commerce, will review both the threats and opportunities posed by the expansion of electronic commerce.

10:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Navy Pier

Concurrent Sessions

12:00 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.
Terrace D, Level 2

Lunch

12:45 p.m. - 30:0 p.m.

Plenary Session

Navy Pier
Grand Ballroom

Remarks by Governor George W. Bush, Texas

The U.S. Supreme Court and Recent Decisions that Affect the States
Welcome: John Burke, President, State Government Affairs Council
Speaker: Nina Totenberg, Correspondent, National Public Radio, Washington, D.C.
The Rehnquist Court has been sympathetic to the states, strengthening their authority under the Tenth and Eleventh amendments and restricting the application of the commerce clause. Will this trend continue? Noted legal affairs expert Nina Totenberg will discuss the Court and analyze recent decisions affecting the states. This session is sponsored by the State Government Affairs Council.

3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Navy Pier

Concurrent Sessions

5:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Navy Pier Rooftop

Exhibit Hall Reception

8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Navy Pier/Sheraton

Registration

7:45 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.

AFI/ASI Breakfasts

Sheraton
Sheraton Ballroom

High Stakes for the States:
Reforming the Presidential Primary Season
Moderator: Ken Bode, Political Analyst and Dean, Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University
Speakers: William Brock, Advisory Commission Co-Chair, Republican National Committee
Carol Khare, Rules and Bylaws Committee Co-Chair, Democratic National Committee
The presidential primary season started earlier than ever as states raced to be first to conduct presidential primaries. The result: by March 15, the primary race was essentially over. Now the two parties are considering plans that give states a more equal shot at deciding the people who will head their ticket and stretching the season through spring. But will the states buy in?

10:15 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Concurrent Sessions

Navy Pier
Room 301-302

Cultivating a More Diverse Economy in Rural Areas
Moderator: Senator Paul Muegge, Oklahoma, Vice-Chair, Agriculture and International Trade committee
Speakers: Kelly Carnes, Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy, U.S. Department of Commerce
Senator Tony Grindberg, North Dakota;
Deborah Markley, Rural Policy Research Institute
Communities dependent on farming and mining have not reaped the benefits of the current economic boom. As a result, rural areas are starting to cultivate a more diverse economic base. This session will discuss industries that are compatible with rural economies, such as small manufacturing, tourism and telecommunications-based business, and how these industries can be encouraged through enhanced access to capital and business development services.

12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Sheraton
Chicago Ballrooms 4&5

Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee Annual Luncheon

12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Sheraton
Chicago Ballrooms 6&7

National Republican Legislators Association Annual Awards Luncheon

12:45 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.
Navy Pier/Sheraton

Ancillary Sessions

2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Sheraton
Chicago Ballrooms 8-10

Annual NCSL Business Meeting
All legislators and staff will want to attend this centerpiece of the NCSL Annual Meeting (other Annual Meeting participants are welcome as observers). The annual business meeting is the culmination of the organization's year. It includes debate of policy resolutions that will guide NCSL's lobbying at the federal level for the coming year. The agenda for the business meeting includes election of officers and the NCSL Executive Committee and approval of the NCSL budget.

6:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Lincoln Park Zoo

Social Event

8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Navy Pier/Sheraton

Registration

9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Closing Plenary Breakfast

Navy Pier
Grand Ballroom

What's on America's Mind?
Speakers: Peter Hart, Democratic Pollster;
Frank Luntz, Republican Pollster
Join Peter Hart and Frank Luntz for an engaging discussion about what's on the minds of Americans. These nationally recognized pollsters will present their perspectives on the public's attitudes and how they will shape the 2000 elections.