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Save the date: Nov. 8-9, 2023

An online experience like no other
designed for state legislators, legislative staff and policy pros.

Navigating new challenges.

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The Great Resignation, surplus budgets, infrastructure spending, inflation, supply chain issues—each year brings new challenges and opportunities for states, requiring those who work in legislatures to quickly get up to speed and respond with informed policy solutions that move their state forward.

Connecting legislators and staff with the experts.

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There are virtual meetings—and there’s NCSL Base Camp 2023. This event takes the online learning experience to a new level, providing legislative-specific professional development and unique opportunities to hear from and engage with national policy experts.

Choose your journey.

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All sessions will be live to afford the greatest opportunities for interaction between you and our expert speakers. Attend sessions in real time Nov. 8-9 or access them on your own time after the event. NCSL Base Camp 2023 is designed for you, whatever route you choose.

NCSL Base Camp, Nov. 15-16, 2022 | Speakers and Agenda

 
Eric Bailey


Eric Bailey
President, Bailey Strategic Innovation Group
Session: I Think Therefore I Err: Using Brain Science to Explain Irrational Behavior

Marguerite Roza


Marguerite Roza
Director, Edunomics Lab
Session: Education Funding: Feast and Famine

Amishi Jha


Dr. Amishi Jha
University of Miami
Session: Retaining Your Focus

Maggie Toulouse Oliver


Maggie Toulouse Oliver
Secretary of State, New Mexico
Session: Two Secretaries, One Goal: Strong Elections

 
 
Frank LaRose


Frank LaRose
Secretary of State, Ohio
Session: Two Secretaries, One Goal: Strong Elections

Nataly Kogan


Nataly Kogan
Founder, Happier, Inc.
Session: Emotional Fitness in the Legislative Workplace

David Bradford


Dr. David Bradford
Stanford University
Creating Exceptional Workplace Relationships

Dan Doonan


Dan Doonan
Executive Director, National Institute on Retirement Security
Session: The Public Pension Boost to Small Town America

 

Session Agenda | Eastern Time (ET) 

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Session Name Time/Room
Welcome to Base Camp 2022! Tuesday, Nov. 15 | 10:45 AM-11:00 AM
 Summary: Welcome to NCSL Base Camp 2022! This is our third year for this event. During this time, we'll talk about the schedule for the next two days, let you know how to access recordings of sessions and provide some tips on how to get the most from this event. Moderator: Gene Rose, Division Director, National Conference of State Legislatures
Speaker: Anne Sappenfield, Director, Wisconsin Legislative Council
Speaker: Uyen Vong, Public Affairs Senior Manager, National Conference of State Legislatures
General Session: I Think Therefore I Err: Using Brain Science to Explain Irrational Behavior Tuesday, Nov. 15 | 11:00 AM-11:55 AM
 Summary: Economists tell us that given the opportunity, people will behave rationally. So what would the world look like if we could cure the stupidity around us? Imagine freedom from frustration. Imagine the peace. This session, based on Eric M. Bailey’s bestselling book, can change your life! Moderator: Amy Skinner, Director, National Conference of State Legislatures
Panelist: Eric Bailey, President, Bailey Strategic Innovation Group
Federal Transportation Policy Update: What's Ahead Tuesday, Nov. 15 | 12:00 PM-12:55 PM
 Summary: From the infrastructure law to autonomous vehicles and beyond, join us for an in-depth discussion on all things federal transportation policy as we head into 2023 and the start of the 118th Congress. Moderator: Tanya Snyder, Reporter, Politico
Panelist: Beth Osborn, Director, Transportation For America
Panelist: Bob Poole, Director of Transportation Policy, Reason Foundation
Public Engagement: Tips and Tricks Tuesday, Nov. 15 | 12:00 PM-12:55 PM
 Summary: Getting the word out about what's happening in the legislature and fostering positive relationships with constituents can be difficult. With so many avenues for engagement, how do you know which one is right for you, and how to use it effectively? Join our panel of experts to discuss ways to creatively communicate with the community and strengthen partnerships via social media, events and other tools. Moderator: Megan McClure, Policy Specialist, National Conference of State Legislatures
Speaker: Beth Livingston, Deputy Communications Director, Ohio General Assembly
Speaker: Josie Ellison, Communications Specialist, Washington State House Democratic Caucus
Retaining Your Focus Tuesday, Nov. 15 | 12:00 PM-12:55 PM
 Summary: Whether you're reading a report, writing a memo or diving into deep work, your focus and attention span diminish over time. Come learn more about why your ability to concentrate is decreasing, and great strategies for fighting the distractions! Moderator: Angela Andrews, Professional Development Senior Partner, National Conference of State Legislatures
Speaker: Amishi Jha, Dr., University of Miami
2022 Election Recap Tuesday, Nov. 15 | 1:10 PM-1:55 PM
 Summary: On Nov. 8, voters decided thousands of legislative seats, dozens of governors and ballot questions galore. Did major political change come to the states? NCSL experts break down the data and discuss the key issues and trends that framed the 2022 elections. Moderator: Amanda Zoch, Project Manager, National Conference of State Legislatures
Speaker: Ben Williams, Program Principal, National Conference of State Legislatures
Avoiding the Fiscal Cliff in the Stimulus Age Tuesday, Nov. 15 | 1:10 PM-1:55 PM
 Summary: Learn how states are prioritizing and managing surpluses as a result of federal stimulus and infrastructure funds, and how they plan to avoid a long-term fiscal cliff once funding slows or expires. Moderator: Emily Maher, Project Manager, National Conference of State Legislatures
Speaker: Beverly Bunch, Professor, School of Public Management and Policy at the University of Illinois Springfield
Speaker: Steven Allred, Deputy Fiscal Analyst, Utah Office of the Legislative Fiscal Analyst
Data Visualization: Tools and Trends Tuesday, Nov. 15 | 1:10 PM-1:55 PM
 Summary: Data visualization can be an important way for legislative staff to convey information. Learn about the latest data visualization tools and trends and how they can be used to distill complex topics for any audience. Moderator: Erica MacKellar, Program Principal, National Conference of State Legislatures
Speaker: Anna Wrigley Miller, Public Service Assistant, Carl Vinson Institute of Government, University of Georgia
Bored With Your Staff Onboarding? Tuesday, Nov. 15 | 2:00 PM-2:45 PM
 Summary: Legislatures are staffing up with new and session-only staff this time of year, not to mention swearing in new members. Effective onboarding can lead to decreased attrition, better employee engagement and a more efficient legislature. Join us to hear the latest tips and tricks! Moderator: Selena Saucedo, Policy Specialist, National Conference of State Legislatures
Panelist: Keith Johnson, Director of Employee Engagement, Massachusetts General Court
Panelist: Pamela Davis Greene, Staff Director, Florida House of Representatives, Office of Administration & Professional Development
Panelist: Terri Kondeff, Director, Idaho Legislature
Recruiting and Retaining a Strong Health Care Workforce Tuesday, Nov. 15 | 2:00 PM-2:45 PM
 Summary: Health care provider shortages affect a variety of sectors, including primary care and behavioral health. With the rise of an aging population, retiring workers and those leaving the workforce due to burnout, states look for innovate strategies to recruit and retain providers in their communities. Hear about the policy levers states are considering to address their health care workforce shortages, and learn about the strategies that have been successful. Moderator: Sydne Enlund, Senior Policy Specialist, National Conference of State Legislatures
Speaker: Mykell Barnacle, DNP, FNP-BC, Associate Professor of Practice, North Dakota State University
Speaker: Renee Fullerton, Health Workforce and Social Policy Associate, Washington Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board
Speaker: Susan Skillman, Senior Deputy Director, Center for Health Workforce Studies, University of Washington
The Latest Buzz on Broadband Tuesday, Nov. 15 | 2:00 PM-2:45 PM
 Summary: What's the plan to connect all Americans to affordable, reliable high-speed internet? Join us for an update from the Federal Communications Commission and National Telecommunications and Information Administration about where things stand and how $65 billion from the bipartisan infrastructure law will help achieve that goal. Speaker: Joseph Wender, Director, U.S. Department of the Treasury Capital Projects Fund, U.S. Department of Treasury
Speaker: Susannah Spellman, Deputy Associate Administrator for Planning and Program Development, Department of Commerce: National Telecommunications and Information Administration
General Session: Education Funding: Feast and Famine Tuesday, Nov. 15 | 3:00 PM-3:55 PM
 Summary: Schools are flush with federal, state and local funds to recover from the pandemic, but the outlook for the economy is uncertain and the federal funds run out in 2024. How can states and districts navigate what lies ahead? Education finance experts offer advice on how to best to plan for the future. Moderator: Dan Thatcher, Senior Fellow, National Conference of State Legislatures
Speaker: Marguerite Roza, Director, Edunomics Lab
Legislative Strategies to Address Benefits Cliffs Tuesday, Nov. 15 | 4:00 PM-4:55 PM
 Summary: Benefits cliffs are sudden and often unexpected decreases in public benefits that occur with small increases in earnings. States are increasingly examining strategies to reduce benefits cliffs in ways that increase household economic stability and incentivize work. This session will introduce benefits cliffs and how two states are approaching the issue. Moderator: Heather Wilson, Senior Policy Specialist, National Conference of State Legislatures
Panelist: Chris Joffrion, Legislative Committee Analyst, Health, Welfare, and Family Services, Kentucky Legislative Research Commission
Panelist: Steven Hernandez, Executive Director, The Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity and Opportunity, Connecticut General Assembly
Legislatures: It's the People Tuesday, Nov. 15 | 4:00 PM-4:55 PM
 Summary: When all the pieces of the legislative staff puzzle come together, they make an effective, polished and intricate tool designed to support the legislative mission. Join us to learn more about the variety of legislative roles and the part each one plays in strengthening the institution. Moderator: Carrie Maulin, Director, National Conference of State Legislatures
Panelist: Erica Warren, Assistant Reviser of Statutes, Kentucky Legislative Research Commission
Panelist: Scott Bedke, Speaker of the House, Idaho Legislature
The Impact of Business Competition Legislation Tuesday, Nov. 15 | 4:00 PM-4:55 PM
 Summary: How will states react to recent federal activity designed to promote competition and fairness in the marketplace? What does it mean for the business community? Our panel takes a deep dive into the implications of efforts to reform antitrust laws. Moderator: Heather Anderson, Staff Attorney, South Carolina General Assembly
Panelist: Krisztian Katona, Vice President of Global Competition and Regulatory Policy, Computer & Communications Industry Association
Panelist: Sumit Sharma, Senior Researcher, Consumer Reports
Trivia Night Tuesday, Nov. 15 | 7:00 PM-8:00 PM
 Summary: The popular trivia night is back! Network with colleagues from across the country and test your knowledge about states, pop culture and other subjects. This session is moderated by NCSL CEO Tim Storey. Join him and trivia master Ben Sawyer for a night of fun.
Preview of NCSL Base Camp Day 2! Wednesday, Nov. 16 | 10:15 AM-10:30 AM
 Summary: For our last day of NCSL Base Camp 2022, we'll go over today's schedule and provide tips on how to get the most our of today's experience. And, we'll announce the winner of Tuesday night's Trivia contest! Moderator: Gene Rose, Division Director, National Conference of State Legislatures
Speaker: Uyen Vong, Public Affairs Senior Manager, National Conference of State Legislatures
Fundamentals of Parliamentary Procedure Wednesday, Nov. 16 | 10:30 AM-10:55 AM
 Summary: You don't have to be a lawyer or a parliamentarian to get a grasp on legislative rules, but it helps to learn from one! Join us to explore the where, when, why, what and how of parliamentary procedure, just in time for the start of the session! Moderator: Mari Henderson, Policy Specialist, National Conference of State Legislatures
Panelist: Jeff Takacs, Clerk of the House, Florida Legislature
Panelist: Tara Perkinson, Chief Deputy Clerk, Virginia General Assembly
The Public Pension Boost to Small-Town America Wednesday, Nov. 16 | 10:30 AM-10:55 AM
 Summary: An influx of public pension dollars offers potential support for many small towns and rural communities that face shrinking populations and growing economic challenges. We'll explore new research measuring the economic impact as retired public employees spend their pension income in thousands of rural counties across the country. Moderator: Rachel Janke, Supervising Analyst, Wisconsin Legislative Fiscal Bureau
Speaker: Dan Doonan, Executive Director, National Institute on Retirement Security
General Session: What's Up in Washington, D.C.: A Federal Overview Wednesday, Nov. 16 | 11:00 AM-12:00 PM
 Summary: Learn everything you need to know about what's going on in Washington, D.C., at this informative, fast-paced briefing. During the last 10 minutes, participants will have the opportunity to join a breakout room for further in-depth discussion on transportation, criminal justice, education, health and human services and more. Speaker: Molly Ramsdell, Division Director, National Conference of State Legislatures
Speaker: Susan Parnas Frederick, Sr Fed Affairs Counsel, National Conference of State Legislatures
CONNECT: Creating Exceptional Workplace Relationships Wednesday, Nov. 16 | 12:10 PM-12:55 PM
 Summary: Research shows that employees are happier and more productive when they have strong workplace relationships. But creating effective connections in legislatures can be challenging. Join us to learn how to foster strong relationships at work using strategies from Stanford University's popular Interpersonal Dynamics course and the recently published book, "CONNECT: Building Exceptional Relationships with Family, Friends and Colleagues." Moderator: Angela Andrews, Professional Development Senior Partner, National Conference of State Legislatures
Speaker: David Bradford, Senior Lecturer in Leadership, Emeritus, Stanford University
The Future of Federal Student Loans Wednesday, Nov. 16 | 12:10 PM-12:55 PM
 Summary: The Administration has announced a plan to forgive at least $10,000 per borrower, but national student debt is estimated to return to its current level in just four years. Hear experts explore the future of the student loan program and what role student loans should play in financing higher education. Moderator: Austin Reid, Sr. Legislative Director, National Conference of State Legislatures
Panelist: Jason Delisle, Senior Policy Fellow, Urban Institute
Panelist: Persis Yu, Policy Director & Managing Counsel, Student Borrower Protection Center
You Can’t Manage What You Don’t Measure Wednesday, Nov. 16 | 12:10 PM-12:55 PM
 Summary: Want to move beyond checking a box to developing meaningful performance measures and management systems? Come hear innovative approaches to performance management and measurement from two states, and learn how you may be able to apply these strategies in yours. Moderator: Carrington Skinner, Policy Specialist, National Conference of State Legislatures
Panelist: Charles Sallee, Deputy Director-Fiscal, New Mexico Legislature
Panelist: Clare Tobin Lence, Performance Initiatives Manager, Utah State Legislature-Office of the Legislative Fiscal Analyst
Can Civics Education Strengthen Democracy? Wednesday, Nov. 16 | 1:00 PM-2:00 PM
 Summary: Recent polling shows wide bipartisan support for strengthening democracy through civics education in K-12 curriculum and beyond. Hear from national leaders who are calling on states and schools to prioritize this effort and policy solutions for consideration. Moderator: Shawn Healy, Senior Director of Policy and Advocacy, CivXNow Coalition, a project of iCivics
Panelist: Andres Vargas, State Representative, Massachusetts General Court
Panelist: Kei Kawashima-Ginsberg, Newhouse Director of CIRCLE, Tufts University
Panelist: Tony Cook, State Representative, Indiana General Assembly
Strengthening Immigrant Integration: Offices of New Americans Wednesday, Nov. 16 | 1:00 PM-2:00 PM
 Summary: The influx of refugees from countries such as Afghanistan and Ukraine has increased attention on providing support for immigrant integration in the United States. While immigration legislation stalls at the federal level, states are taking steps to promote the successful integration of new immigrants. Hear from a representative of an Office of New Americans about supports they provide for immigrants and refugees, and learn about state efforts focused on immigrant integration. Moderator: Kathy Schill, Fiscal Analyst, Minnesota Legislature
Panelist: Karen Phillipi, Director of New American Integration, Office of Global Michigan
Panelist: Theresa Mah, State Representative, Illinois General Assembly
How Federal Funds Will Influence State Budgets Wednesday, Nov. 16 | 2:10 PM-2:55 PM
 Summary: Since the pandemic, federal aid has filled state coffers, leaving many with more money than they know what to do with. Join us for an overview of the federal budget process and expected developments in the new year. Learn more about federal funds available to states, along with insights on how to spend it. Moderator: Emily Maher, Program Manager, National Conference of State Legislatures
Speaker: Marcia Howard, Executive Director, Federal Funds Information For States (FFIS)
Public Speaking 101 Wednesday, Nov. 16 | 2:10 PM-2:55 PM
 Summary: Learn the basics of confident speaking and professional communication practices with faculty from the Carl Vinson Institute at the University of Georgia. Speaker: Eric Robinson, Public Service Associate, Carl Vinson Institute of Government, University of Georgia
Two Secretaries, One Goal: Strong Elections Wednesday, Nov. 16 | 2:10 PM-2:55 PM
 Summary: Each state runs elections differently, but none compromise on the paramount goal of accuracy. Hear from two secretaries of state from opposite ends of the political spectrum on how they maintain and ensure free, fair and accurate elections in their respective states. Spoiler: There are more similarities than you think! Moderator: Wendy Underhill, Director, National Conference of State Legislatures
Speaker: Frank LaRose, Secretary of State, State of Ohio
Speaker: Maggie Toulouse OIiver, New Mexico Secretary of State, State of New Mexico
General Session: Emotional Fitness in the Legislative Workplace Wednesday, Nov. 16 | 3:00 PM-3:50 PM
 Summary: Are crushing deadlines, long hours, big policy conundrums and tough conversations getting you down? Time to focus on your emotional fitness! Entrepreneur Nataly Kogan is on a mission to help people struggle less and thrive more at work and life. Come hear this bestselling author share guidance and tips for strengthening your core emotional fitness skills. Moderator: Angela Andrews, Professional Development Senior Partner, National Conference of State Legislatures
Panelist: Eric Nauman, Principal Fiscal Analyst, Minnesota Legislature
Panelist: Sabrina Lewellen, Deputy Director, Arkansas General Assembly
Speaker: Nataly Kogan, Founder, Happier Inc.
Burning Through Budgets: State Strategies for Wildfire Costs Wednesday, Nov. 16 | 4:00 PM-4:25 PM
 Summary: As more frequent and severe wildfires drive up public spending, policymakers at all levels of government are faced with decisions about how to pay for the interventions to deal with them. New research from The Pew Charitable Trusts examines the state role in paying for wildfire activities and offers strategies for tackling budgeting challenges and coping with rising costs. Moderator: Leo Garcia, Policy Analyst, National Conference of State Legislatures
Speaker: Peter Muller, Officer, Fiscal Federalism Initiative, The Pew Charitable Trusts
Occupational Licensing: Untapped Talent Wednesday, Nov. 16 | 4:00 PM-4:25 PM
 Summary: There are more than 11 million job openings nationally, but foreign-trained workers are barred from filling many of them because of occupational licensing regulations. As a result of the pandemic, a handful of states have loosened licensing barriers. Hear from an immigration policy expert to learn how states are addressing employment obstacles for skilled immigrant workers. Moderator: Ralph Alvarado, State Senator, Kentucky General Assembly
Speaker: Jeanne Batalova, Senior Policy Analyst, Migration Policy Institute
The Ins and Outs of NCSL for Legislative Staff Wednesday, Nov. 16 | 4:00 PM-4:25 PM
 Summary: Come learn the who, what, when, where and how of NCSL's services for legislative staff. Let us help you boost your status as a superstar staffer! Speaker: Amber Widgery, Program Principal, National Conference of State Legislatures
Speaker: Kae Warnock, Senior Policy Specialist, National Conference of State Legislatures
NCSL Base Camp Celebration Wednesday, Nov. 16 | 4:25 PM-4:45 PM
 Summary: Join your colleagues from across the nation in celebrating the end of NCSL Base Camp 2022. We'll raise a toast to attendees and to all those that work in legislatures in the U.S., territories and commonwealths. Moderator: Gene Rose, Division Director, National Conference of State Legislatures
Speaker: Anne Sappenfield, Director, Wisconsin Legislative Council