Doubletree

NCSL Child Welfare Project NCSL Forum for State Health Policy Leadership

Learn about the relationship among substance abuse, child welfare and the courts, and examine state programs that address these issues. There will be plenty of time for questions, discussion and brainstorming.

NCSL gratefully acknowledges the support of the National Center on Substance Abuse and Child Welfare for this preconference.

Hilton Riverside Eglinton Winton--Second Floor

Legislative Staff Coordinating Committee

Hilton Riverside Elmwood--Third Level

National Conference of State Legislatures Executive Committee

Hilton Riverside Grand Salon Sections 9+12--Street Level

Convention Center 206-207--Second Level

Environment and Energy Committee

Rising fuel costs, increasing dependency on imported oil and natural gas, and concerns about climate change are at the top of state lawmakers' agendas. Although challenges abound, many see a chance to energize the economy by using domestic energy resources and American ingenuity. This year's Energy Summit will explore how policymakers can develop energy policies that promote vibrant economies and healthy environments.

• Speakers: Dan Bakal, Ceres, Massachusetts
• Steven Bossart, U.S. Department of Energy, National Energy Technology Laboratory, West Virginia
• Bobi Garrett, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Colorado
• Howard Gruenspecht, Energy Information Administration, Washington, D.C.
• Lawrence Makovich, Cambridge Energy Research Associates, Washington, D.C.
• Brian McLean, U.S. Enviromental Protection Agendy (EPA), Washington, D.C.
• Kim Saylors-Laster, Wal-Mart, Arkansas
• Susan Tomasky, American Electric Power, Ohio
• Joe Turnage, Unistar, Maryland

Hilton Riverside Grand Salon Sections 3+6--Street Level

NCSL Task Force on Immigration and the States

The Task Force will examine federal and state immigration developments in 2008. State legislators will hear presentations on state enforcement of federal immigration law and promising practices in providing disaster relief and effective integration efforts.

• Presiding: Representative Joseph E. Miro, Delaware
• Representative Sharon Tomiko Santos, Washington
• Speakers: Kathleen Campbell Walker, American Immigration Lawyers Association, Texas
• Jason Marczak, Americas Society and Council of the Americas, New York
• Gerry Sklavounos, Quebec National Assembly, Canada

W Hotel

This meeting for state policymakers will focus on treatment and services for children with birth defects and developmental disabilities. Legislators will learn from national and state experts and have an opportunity to share their own experiences. There will be plenty of time for discussion among participants and leading researchers in the field. Space is limited, you must register to attend. Contact Joanne Stroud at 303-856-1538 or joanne.stroud@ncsl.org. Session is located at W New Orleans Hotel, 333 Poydras Street.

NCSL gratefully acknowledges the support of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), Genetic Alliance, Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), March of Dimes; National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), Office of Rare Diseases, for this preconference.

Hotel Monteleone

Information is available online and will be distributed to Working Group members.

Convention Center 220-221--Second Level

International Program

Welcome and Introductions
9:00 am - 10:15 am
The officers of NCSL and the International Programs Department welcomes all international delegates to the 2008 Legislative Summit.
Presiding: The Honorable Irving Stolberg, Connecticut, Former President, NCSL

New Ways to Communicate with Constituents
10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Modern technologies give legislators and legislative assemblies new ways to reach out to the public and communicate with constituents. At the same time, "low-tech" channels like public meetings, press interviews and direct mailings are still effective with constituents.
Moderator: Senator Sharon, Weston Broome, Louisiana
Speakers: Delegate Kristen J. Amundson, Virginia
Martin Chungong, Division for the Promotion of Democracy, Inter-Parliamentary Union, Switzerland
The Honorable Speaker Ebenezer Sekyi Hughes, Parliament of Ghana

12:30 pm - 3:00 pm
International participants will have lunch at the Court of the Two Sisters, in the French Quarter, for a taste of New Orleans. Participants will be welcomed by a jazz trio. Transportation will leave from the Convention Center at 12:30 p.m.
Presenter: Mr. Rick Nuccio, Director, Civitas International Programs
Mr. Patrick Davidson, Patrick Davidson Productions, California

NCSL gratefully acknowledges the support of the Center for Civic Education of this luncheon.

Hilton Riverside Cambridge--Second Floor

Legislative Staff Coordinating Committee

Hilton Riverside Eglinton Winton--Second Floor

Legislative Staff Coordinating Committee

Hilton Riverside Chequers--Second Floor

Legislative Staff Coordinating Committee

Hilton Riverside Elmwood--Third Level

Legislative Staff Coordinating Committee

Hilton Riverside Prince of Wales--Second Floor

NCSL Blue Ribbon Commission on Higher Education

The NCSL Blue Ribbon Commission on Higher Education will meet to discuss priority issues and activities for the remainder of 2008.

Hilton Riverside Jefferson Ballroom--Third Level

Legislative Staff Coordinating Committee

Hilton Riverside

Legislative Research Librarians

Meet at the River Blends Café in the Hilton Riverside to introduce yourself or renew old friendships.

Hilton Riverside Eglinton Winton--Second Floor

Hilton Riverside Elmwood--Third Level

Legislative Staff Coordinating Committee

Hilton Riverside Grand Salon Sections 19+22--Street Level

National Conference of State Legislatures Executive Committee

Hilton Riverside Grand Salon Sections 7+10+13--Street Level

National Association of Legislative Fiscal Offices Budgets and Revenue Committee Communications, Financial Services and Interstate Commerce Committee Task Force on State and Local Taxation of Telecommunications and Electronic Commerce

Twenty-two states have complied with the Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement, and more than 1,100 out-of-state sellers have collected over $200 million in previously uncollected sales taxes for these states. The Sales Tax Fairness and Simplification Act has been introduced in Congress with bipartisan support. Examine its prospects for passage and get an update on state efforts.

• Presiding: Delegate Sheila Ellis Hixson, Maryland
• Speakers: Deborah Bierbaum, AT&T, New Jersey
• Delegate John Doyle, West Virginia
• Stephen Kranz, Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP, Washington, D.C.
• Emmett O'Keefe, Amazon.com, Washington, D.C.
• Scott Peterson, Streamlined Sales Tax Governing Board, Tennessee
• Steve Rauschenberger, Past NCSL President (05-06), Rauschenberger Partners, LLC, Illinois
• Maureen Riehl, National Retail Federation, Washington, D.C.

Transportation Committee

America’s water-borne freight infrastructure faces many of the same unsafe and costly crumbling conditions as our highways and bridges. Visit a key lock-and-dam system on the Mississippi River where freight often waits days to pass to or from the Port of New Orleans, and other Army Corps of Engineers infrastructure projects underway in the region. To attend, RSVP to paul.snow@ncsl.org.

Sponsored by Transportation Committee and Budgets and Revenue Committee

Convention Center 222--Second Level

Legislative Research Librarians

An expert will share generally accepted guidelines on minimizing risk to institutional collections, and describe and demonstrate procedures and techniques to minimize loss when disasters damage materials.

• Moderator: Cathy Martin, North Carolina Legislative Library
• Speaker: Alan Haley, Library of Congress, Maryland

Convention Center 215--Second Level

National Legislative Program Evaluation Society

• Presiding: Tim Osterstock, Legislative Auditor General's Office, Utah

Convention Center R01--Second Level

National Legislative Services and Security Association

NLSSA Group Roundtable discussion on business protocols and best practices.

Convention Center 217--Second Level

Legal Services Staff Section

[CLE]

The use of presidential signing statements has increased dramatically since the Reagan administration. Examine the way signing statements are being used by the president and how using them may affect the separation of powers doctrine.

• Speakers: Mark Agrast, Center For American Progress, Washington D.C.
• Robert Alt, Center for Legal and Judicial Studies at The Heritage Foundation, Washington, D.C.

Convention Center R02--Second Level

National Association of Legislative Information Technology

Trying to prepare for major software upgrades can be a challenge. Explore Office 2007, including new tools in Word, Excel and PowerPoint to improve the professional look of your documents, worksheets and presentations.

• Moderator: Gary Schaefer, Senate, Louisiana
• Trainer: Daniel Bunton, Microsoft Corporation, Texas

Convention Center 210--Second Level

Research and Committee Staff Section

Mentors help new staff learn the ropes and the unwritten rules of working in a legislative environment. Explore formal and informal legislative staff mentoring programs around the country.

• Moderator: Phil Price, Arkansas Legislative Council
• Panelists: Larry Barish, Legislative Reference Bureau, Wisconsin
• Patrick O'Grady, Legislative Research Unit, Illinois
• Edith Rice, Senate Committee Staff, Washington
• Lucinda Tiajoloff, Office of Legislative Services, New Jersey

Agriculture, Environment and Energy Committee

State public health laboratories play a critical role in the nation's emergency and terrorism response networks. Join us for a tour of the Louisiana State Public Health Laboratory in New Orleans and learn more about the advances and challenges of preparing for and responding to chemical and radiological threats. Space is limited. Reserve your spot by calling Scott Hendrick at (303) 364-7700, ext. 1409.

Association of Public Health Laboratories Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, Office of Public Health National Conference of State Legislatures

Hilton Riverside Cambridge--Second Floor

Communications, Financial Services and Interstate Commerce Committee

Legislators, staff and members of NCSL's Foundation for State Legislatures (FSL) will discuss and shape the agenda for a potential FSL Partnership Project on state mortgage and banking issues.

Hilton Riverside Jasperwood--Third Level

National Conference of State Legislatures Executive Committee

Convention Center R02--Second Level

National Association of Legislative Information Technology

How we collaborate today may not be the most efficient way to get the job done in the legislative environment. Explore new technologies and learn how collaboration might affect open meeting laws and public records requirements.

• Moderator: Peter Capriglione, General Assembly, North Carolina
• Speakers: Daniel Bunton, Microsoft Corporation, Texas
• Maryann Horch, Virginia General Assembly
• Robin Johnson, House of Representatives, North Carolina

Hilton Riverside Jefferson Ballroom--Third Level

National Conference of State Legislatures Executive Committee

Full Executive Committee

Hilton Riverside Cambridge--Second Floor

This will be an introduction to the NCSL Legislative Summit and a budget briefing for legislative staff of the Indonesian People's Representative Council.

• Speakers: Corina Eckl, NCSL
• Bruce Feustel, NCSL

Hilton Riverside Grand Ballroom A--Street Level

Labor and Economic Development Committee

States offer incentives to the arts, sports and entertainment industries to revitalize arts districts, enhance the cultural climate and promote 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
• Speakers: Jay Dick, Americans for the Arts, Washington, D.C.
• Gaye Hamilton, Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism
• Sherri McConnell, Office of Entertainment Industry Development, Louisiana

Hilton Riverside Grand Salon D (19-24)--Street Level

Health Committee

Community health centers care for 15 million people at more than 5,000 locations across the nation. About 40 percent of their patients are uninsured. Take a look at the role these centers provide in caring for the nation's most vulnerable populations; their capacity for serving as medical homes; and how they cared for the community during and after Katrina.

• Speakers: Michael Andry, EXCELth Inc, Louisiana
• Randolph Fisher, Louisiana Primary Care Association, Inc.
• Gary Wiltz, Teche Action Clinic, Louisiana

Hilton Riverside Magnolia--Third Level

Redistricting and Elections Committee

[CLE]

Many legislatures have considered voter ID laws this year A new Supreme Court decision upholding Indiana's requirement of a photo ID to vote guarantees that more states will consider the issue in 2009. What are the broader implications of the Court's decision?

• Speakers: Senator Bill Avery, Nebraska
• Doug Chapin, Electionline.org, Washington, D.C.
• Jason Torchinsky, Holtzman, Vogel Attorneys at Law, Washington, D.C.

Hilton Riverside Grand Salon Sections 7+10+13--Street Level

Law and Criminal Justice Committee

[CLE]

Because many aspects of our lives are affected by court decisions, members of the judiciary are relied upon to render thoughtful, fair decisions. Examine state processes for judicial selection, as well as means for retention and evaluation of judicial performance.

• Presiding: Representative R. Phillip Haire, North Carolina
• Speakers: Judge Wade Barber, State Court, North Carolina
• Retired Chief Justice Thomas Phillips, Texas Supreme Court
• Malia Reddick, American Judicature Society, Iowa

Hilton Riverside Grand Salon Sections 15+18--Street Level

Human Services and Welfare Committee

Learn about the issues and concerns surrounding unregulated residential treatment facilities for youth, such as those commonly called "boot camps," and the options states are using to increase oversight of these programs.

• Presiding: Representative Pete Hershberger, Arizona
• Moderator: Representative Martha B. Alexander, North Carolina
• Panelists: Kay Brown, Government Accountability Office, Washington, D.C.
• Sarah Steverman, NCSL

Hilton Riverside Versailles Ballroom--Third Level

Budgets and Revenue Committee

Tight resources often heighten interest in budget management tools. This session takes a look at the latest in state performance budgeting efforts.

• Presiding: Senator Richard Devlin, Oregon
• Speakers: Jerry Luke LeBlanc, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
• Manu Patel, Legislative Finance Committee, New Mexico

Hilton Riverside Oak Alley--Third Level

Communications, Financial Services and Interstate Commerce Committee

States have been at the forefront of protecting consumers' personal financial information. Congress, however, is considering legislation that would preempt most state protections. Help develop NCSL’s policy statement on information security due to expire at this meeting.

• Presiding: Senator Delores G. Kelley, Maryland
• Panelists: Michael Barrett, PayPal CISO, California
• Maureen Riehl, National Retail Federation, Washington, D.C.
• Michael Smith, VISA Inc., California

Hilton Riverside Grand Salon Sections 9+12--Street Level

Education Committee

The number of states offering online courses, and the number of students enrolling in them has skyrocketed. What are the challenges for states as more teaching and learning occurs online? What makes a highly qualified online teacher? Hear from experts and online teachers about how the Internet is changing teaching and learning and the role of the state in ensuring quality.

• Presiding: Representative Roy M. Takumi, Hawaii
• Speakers: Janae Cardel, Commonwealth Connections Academy, Pennsylvania
• Susan Patrick, North American Council for Online Learning, Virginia
• Mickey Revenaugh, Connections Academy, New York
• John Sorrel, Louisiana Virtual School
• John Watson, Evergreen Consulting Associates, Colorado
• Polly Werner, Florida Virtual School

Convention Center 222--Second Level

Legislative Research Librarians

Join your Legislative Research Librarians colleagues for a light reception before the start of a busy week.

NCSL gratefully acknowledges the support of LexisNexis for this reception.

Hilton Riverside Eglinton Winton--Second Floor

Mason's Manual Commission

Hilton Riverside Elmwood--Third Level

Women's Legislative Network

Everyone is welcome to attend the Network Executive Board meeting.

Convention Center 211-213--Second Level

Ceremony to welcome members of the news media to the Legislative Summit and re-name the NCSL press room in honor of former Baton Rogue reporter and editor John LaPlante.

Hilton Riverside Magnolia--Third Level

Redistricting and Elections Committee

Many states are considering comprehensive audits to review how officials run elections. Legislatures should consider how to best structure election audit programs and whether they are worth the effort.

• Moderator: Mary Janicki, Office of Legislative Research, Connecticut
• Speakers: Lonna Atkeson, University of New Mexico
• Representative Gary W. Moore, Sr., Tennessee
• Michael Traugott, University of Michigan

Hilton Riverside Grand Ballroom A--Street Level

Labor and Economic Development Committee

Foreign direct investment 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. Although the U.S. Commerce Department's "Invest in America" program helps, most promotion efforts and all incentives decisions lie with state policymakers. Explore promotion efforts and case studies on state incentive programs.

• Presiding: Representative Brent Yonts, Kentucky
• Speakers: Aaron Brickman, U.S. Department of Commerce, Washington, D.C.
• Paul Piquado, Pennsylvania Office of Trade Policy, Washington, D.C.

Hilton Riverside Rosedown--Third Level

Communications, Financial Services and Interstate Commerce Committee Legislative Effectiveness Committee

Information technology (IT) is a critical ingredient of state government operation. As reliance and spending on IT continue to grow, how can legislatures ensure that their state takes a coordinated, effective and fiscally prudent approach to managing this asset?

• Moderator: Representative Phil Montgomery, Wisconsin
• Speakers: Gopal Khanna, Office of Enterprise Technology, Minnesota
• Cathilea Robinett, Center for Digital Government, California

Hilton Riverside Oak Alley--Third Level

Communications, Financial Services and Interstate Commerce Committee

Credit and debit card use has exploded in recent years. Yet, companies are raising their late fees and over-limit penalties and putting holds on accounts. Find out what is going on to curb such practices in the credit/debit card industry.

• Presiding: Mike Sunseri, Kentucky General Assembly
• Speakers: Norma Garcia, Consumers Union, California
• Jason Kratovil, Independent Community Bankers Association, Washington, D.C.
• Mathew Street, American Bankers Association, Washington, D.C.

Hilton Riverside Grand Salon Sections 15+18--Street Level

Human Services and Welfare Committee

The committee will discuss their current policy on the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families Program.

• Presiding: Representative Pete Hershberger, Arizona

Hilton Riverside Grand Salon Sections 15+18--Street Level

Human Services and Welfare Committee

Welfare reform and other efforts to support low-wage workers are at a turning point. New federal rules are forcing states to broaden their focus on welfare policy, raising questions about how best to help families become self-sufficient. Share experiences from your state, and hear from leading researchers in the field.

Hilton Riverside Jefferson Ballroom--Third Level

The steering committee will review the list of NCSL policies that standing committees will consider on Wednesday, July 23.

National Association of Legislative Information Technology

Join NALIT members from around the country for a great evening at a local restaurant. NALIT members may bring a spouse or guest. Space may be limited, so email Pam Greenberg at pam.greenberg@ncsl.org before July 11 to register or for more information.

NALIT and NCSL gratefully acknowledge the support of Propylon for this dinner.

National Legislative Program Evaluation Society

Join friends and colleagues from around the country for a great evening at the NLPES Dutch Treat Dinner. Spouses and guests are welcome. For information please contact, Bob Boerner, NLPES staff liaison, (303) 856-1353 or Bob.Boerner@ncsl.org. For details on the restaurant location and time, contact Bob Boerner.

Legal Services Staff Section

Join friends and colleagues from around the country for the Legal Services Dutch Treat Dinner. Space is limited, so email Kae Warnock at kae.warnock@ncsl.org before July 11 to register or for more information.

Convention Center Hall B2-1--First Level

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!

Hilton Riverside Steering--Second Level

National Caucus of Environmental Legislators (Unaffiliated Legislative Group)

Convention Center 229-230--Second Level

Communications, Financial Services and Interstate Commerce Committee

From landline to cell phones to video services to broadband, consumers have many choices of providers. Learn the "state of the marketplace:" how competitive and open it is to all providers and whether consumers have viable choices.

• Presiding: Representative Phil Montgomery, Wisconsin
• Speakers: Patrick Brogan, USTelecom, Washington, D.C.
• Allen Chew, DIRECTV, Washington, D.C.
• Dane Snowden, CTIA - The Wireless Association, Washington, D.C.
• Panelists: Steve Parrott, Embarq, North Carolina
• Bret Perkins, Comcast Cable, Pennsylvania

NCSL gratefully acknowledges the support of PayPal for breakfast.

Convention Center R06--Second Level

Human Services and Welfare Committee Labor and Economic Development 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.

• Presiding: Senator Juan Pichardo, Rhode Island
• Speaker: Matt Fellowes, The PEW Charitable Trust, Washington, D.C.

NCSL gratefully acknowledges the support of Annie E. Casey Partnership on Family Economic Success for this breakfast.

Convention Center 209--Second Level

Legislative staff attending the Legislative Summit for the first time will get an overview of NCSL and ways to take advantage of the conference activities.

Convention Center 208--Second Level

Legislators attending the Legislative Summit for the first time will get an overview of NCSL and ways to take advantage of the conference activities.

National Association of Legislative Information Technology

Travel to Baton Rouge for a tour and briefings at the state capitol with demonstrations of committee room management software and how it interfaces with webcasting, and briefings about the voting and other legislative systems. Please contact Pam Greenberg at pam.greenberg@ncsl.org to register or for more information.

NALIT and NCSL gratefully acknowledge the support of Akamai Technologies, Inc. and Public Systems Associates for this tour.

Convention Center 223--Second Level

• Trainer: Kaci Patterson, Center for Civic Education, California

Convention Center R02-R03--Second Level

National Legislative Program Evaluation Society Transportation Committee

The tragic bridge collapse in Minneapolis heightened policymakers' concerns regarding the nation's aging transportation infrastructure. Explore efforts to determine the condition of roads and bridges and anticipate potential hazards, and discuss the availability of resources to maintain our transportation infrastructure.

• Speaker: Senator Steve L. Murphy, Minnesota
• Panelists: Deborah Junod, Office of the Legislative Auditor, Minnesota
• Scott Sager, Legislative Audit Bureau, Wisconsin

Hilton Riverside Eglinton Winton--Second Floor

Legislative Research Librarians

How can researchers get access to old and fragile legislative books and records without jeopardizing venerable materials? Learn about the collaborative project between the Internet Archive and the Ontario Legislative Assembly, in which journals are scanned and made available to the public through the Internet Archive. Discuss the implications and gain practical advice for implementing a similar project.

• Moderator: Judy Smith, State Library of Louisiana
• Speakers: Peter Ellinger, Library Technology Applications, Legislative Assembly of Ontario
• Robert Miller, Internet Archive, California

Convention Center 215--Second Level

Convention Center R01--Second Level

Agriculture, Environment and Energy Committee

The International Code Coalition develops the codes used to construct residential and commercial buildings, including homes and schools. In September, the coalition will take up a proposal to increase residential energy efficiency code requirements by 30 percent. Come hear the pros and cons of this proposal and how state legislatures can get involved.

• Speakers: William Fay, Energy Efficient Codes Coalition, Washington, D.C.
• Carlos Gutierrez, National Association of Home Builders, Washington, D.C.

Convention Center R07--Second Level

Legislative Effectiveness Committee

Examine what states do to make their committees work effectively and efficiently, and identify what practices may be important to your state. Interactive discussions will involve committee chairs, members and staff.

• Moderator: Representative Rob Eissler, Texas
• Panelists: Senator Spencer G. Coggs, Wisconsin
• Blair Scott Maddrea, House Of Delegates, Virginia
• Julie Pelegrin, Legislative Legal Services, Colorado
• Representative Cameron C. Staples, Connecticut

Convention Center 210--Second Level

Education Committee

Get an update on federal education issues including the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act and school-based Medicaid services. Following the discussion, the committee will consider the renewal of NCSL's expiring policy, The Federal Role in Elementary and Secondary Education.

• Presiding: Representative Rae Ann G. Kelsch, North Dakota
• Speakers: Rachel Morgan, NCSL
• David Shreve, NCSL
• Robert Strange, NCSL

Convention Center R04-R05--Second Level

Health Committee

The committee will consider policies.

Convention Center 206--Second Level

Law and Criminal Justice Committee

[CLE]

Drug and alcohol offenders burden criminal justice systems, while states look for effective ways to divert, manage and treat them. Explore new technologies, like "24/7" monitoring programs, as well as how diversion policies are keeping people off drugs and out of jails.

• Presiding: Representative Joni M. Cutler, South Dakota
• Speakers: Attorney General Larry Long, South Dakota
• Representative Jerry Madden, Texas
• Robyn Robertson, Traffic Injury Research Foundation, Canada

Convention Center R08-R09--Second Level

Redistricting and Elections Committee

Gather and meet colleagues before committee sessions begin at 8:30 a.m.

Convention Center 220-221--Second Level

Budgets and Revenue Committee

It has been 13 years since the enactment of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA). Has it made a difference? You be the judge after hearing this update on pending and enacted congressional mandates. The committee's federal mandate relief policy will be discussed during the business meeting.

• Speaker: Molly Ramsdell, NCSL

Hilton Riverside Belle Chasse--Third Level

American Society of Legislative Clerks and Secretaries

The ASLCS "A" Committees will meet during this time. They are: Bylaws and Standing Orders, Inside the Legislative Process, Site Selection and Technology. (Meetings will be held in the Belle Chasse, Jasperwood, Oak Alley and Rosedown rooms at the Hilton Riverside, third level.)

Hilton Riverside Grand Salon Sections 15+18--Street Level

National Association of Legislative Fiscal Offices

NALFO members will discuss the principal issues that affected their budget sessions in 2008. A brief presentation on recent state budget and tax actions will be included.

• Facilitator: Cathy Fernandez, Legislative Finance Committee, New Mexico
• Speakers: Arturo Perez, NCSL
• Bert Waisanen, NCSL

Hilton Riverside Elmwood--Third Level

National Legislative Services and Security Association

NLSSA Officers will conduct general staff section business.

• Presiding: Earnest Sumner, House of Representatives, Florida

Convention Center R06--Second Level

Human Services and Welfare Committee Labor and Economic Development 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
• Representative Pete Hershberger, Arizona

Convention Center R08-R09--Second Level

Redistricting and Elections Committee

For more than 20 years, the Cook Political Report has offered objective analysis on political races for the president, members of Congress, governors and American political trends. Publisher Charlie Cook will talk about the likelihood of major changes in the fall elections.

• Moderator: Sue Landske, Senate Assistant President Pro Tempore Office, Indiana
• Speaker: Charlie Cook, The Cook Political Report, Washington, D.C.

Convention Center 229-230--Second Level

Communications, Financial Services and Interstate Commerce Committee

In response to disasters, catastrophes and terrorism, insurance companies are raising rates and refusing to write new policies. Consumers are wondering how they can get coverage, while insurance companies are wondering how to pay for the next recovery. What's the answer? Discuss NCSL's policy statements on disaster insurance as well.

• Presiding: Representative Brian Patrick Kennedy, Rhode Island
• Speakers: Dennis Burke, Reinsurance Association of America, Washington, D.C.
• Edward Collins, Protecting America.org, Illinois
• James Donelon, Louisiana Department of Insurance
• Representative Dennis A. Ross, Florida
• Debra Wozniak, State Farm Insurance Companies, Illinois

Convention Center 220-221--Second Level

Budgets and Revenue Committee

Receive an update on the most recent federal budget activity and its effect on states. The Federal Mandate Relief policy and Payment in Lieu of Taxes policy will be reviewed, discussed and voted on.

• Presiding: Senator Richard Devlin, Oregon

Convention Center R04-R05--Second Level

Health Committee Human Services and Welfare Committee

Hear the latest about federal legislation and regulations that will affect your state's health, human services and welfare budgets and programs.

• Moderator: Senator Renee' Unterman, Georgia
• Speakers: Joy Johnson Wilson, NCSL
• Sheri Steisel, NCSL

Convention Center R01--Second Level

Agriculture, Environment and Energy Committee

Many companies have been going green, affecting their operations and changing the way they supply their stores and design their products. From redesigning products to rethinking the supply chain, these decisions can increase productivity, reduce costs and foster innovation. Hear from companies that have made these choices and learn what set them on the road to greener gadgets, factories and stores.

• Speakers: Laura Bishop, Best Buy Co. Inc., Minnesota
• Scott Cassel, Product Stewardship Institute, Massachusetts
• Matt Krupnick, Dell Inc., Texas

Convention Center R02-R03--Second Level

Transportation Committee

Examine some of the challenges of coordinating state programs that provide transportation for senior citizens, the disabled and other disadvantaged populations.

• Speakers: Lisa Bacot, Florida Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged
• Jon Burkhardt, Westat, Maryland

Convention Center 218-219--Second Level

Labor and Economic Development Committee

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
• Speakers: Thomas Fine, Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, Washington, D.C.
• Adam Hemphill, Wal-Mart, Washington, D.C.
• Peter Riggs, Forum on Democracy and Trade, New York

Hilton Riverside Oak Alley--Third Level

American Society of Legislative Clerks and Secretaries

The ASLCS "B" Committees will meet during this time. They are: International Communication and Development, Legislative Administrator, Membership and Communication and Support Staff. (Meetings will be held in the Belle Chasse, Jasperwood, Oak Alley and Rosedown rooms at the Hilton Riverside, third level.)

Convention Center 207--Second Level

National Legislative Program Evaluation Society

• Presiding: Jan Yamane, Office of State Auditor, Hawaii

Convention Center R08-R09--Second Level

Redistricting and Elections Committee

In this mini-session, the committee will hear about Washington state's move to a "top-two" primary system similar to the "Cajun-style primary" system used in Louisiana.

• Speaker: Tom Intorcio, NCSL

Feel the beat of some great New Orleans home-grown music before the start of our general session. Today's featured band is the Storyville Stompers.

Convention Center La Louisiane Ballroom--First Level

Rising energy prices 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.
Excellence in Legislative Leadership Awards

• Presiding: Representative Donna D. Stone, NCSL President, Delaware
• Moderators: Dr. William Jenkins, Louisiana State University
• William Pound, Executive Director, NCSL
• Speakers: Fred Krupp, President, Environmental Defense Fund, New York
• Marvin Odum, President, Shell Oil, Texas

Convention Center 223--Second Level

Trust for Representative Democracy

• Presiding: Jan Goehring, NCSL

Convention Center 215--Second Level

Convention Center R01--Second Level

Agriculture, Environment and Energy Committee

Get an update on activities in Washington, D.C.and a recap of key issues for the states. Also, Randall Luthi, director of the Gulf of Mexico Region of the Minerals Management Service, will discuss the important role states play in energy production and the agency's new authority over offshore alternative energy development and revenue sharing.

• Speakers: Randall Luthi, Minerals Management Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, Washington, D.C.
• Dr. Richard Spinrad, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Maryland

NCSL gratefully acknowledges the support of the American Petroleum Institute for lunch.

Convention Center R07--Second Level

Legislative Effectiveness Committee State-Tribal Institute Women's Legislative Network

The legislator plays an important role as a convener to help solve critical problems in both the district and the statehouse. Learn what works, including the use of technology, in real-life situations.

• Trainers: Mayor Ralph Becker, Salt Lake City, Utah
• Bruce Feustel, NCSL
• Sarah Giles, Policy Consensus Initiative, Oregon
• Peggy Kerns, NCSL
• Roger Moe, Policy Consensus Initiative, Minnesota
• Lana Oleen, Lana Oleen Consulting Services, Kansas
• Tara Perkinson, General Assembly, Virginia
• Representative Kathy Tingelstad, Minnesota
• Greg Wolf, PCI, Oregon
• Katie Ziegler, NCSL

Convention Center 207--Second Level

Human Services and Welfare Committee

States have invested more than $1 billion in new appropriations to promote child development and early learning this year. Learn about new state policies to advance child development for infants and toddlers that draw on effective models and practices.

• Moderator: Representative Barbara Ballard, Kansas
• Speakers: Lanier DeGrella, Child Care Services Association, North Carolina
• Danielle Ewen, Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), Washington, D.C.