Labor and Economic Development Committee
2010 Legislative Summit Agenda and Handouts
July 25-28, 2010, Louisvile, Kentucky
Sunday | Monday | Tuesday| Wednesday
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Sunday, July 25, 2010
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3:30 pm - 4:15 pm
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Small Businesses: Generating Jobs Through Trade
Small businesses play an important role in the U.S. economy and are a major source of jobs. They also account for the largest group of U.S. exporters and are a major user of imported goods. Most of these businesses rely on state resources to help their businesses grow. This session will explore the role that small businesses play in creating jobs and jumpstarting the economy.
Moderator:
Representative Juan C. Zapata, Florida
Chair, NCSL Labor and Economic Development Committee
Speakers:
Ryan Douglas, U.S. Dept. of Commerce, International Trade Administration, Washington, D.C. Remarks
J. Edwin Webb, Kentucky World Trade Center, Louisville, Kentucky
Handouts: ♦ KY Trade Assistance Organizations ♦ KY Trade Statistics ♦ Trade Successes
Elmer Stancil, Georgia Department of Economic Development, Atlanta, Georgia
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4:15 pm - 5:30 pm
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State Innovations in Career and Technical Education
Joint with Education Committee
Career and technical education (CTE) plays a valuable role during an economic recovery. In addition to conventional functions of preparing students for employment and postsecondary education and training, CTE programs can be adapted to meet future workforce needs in high-growth and emerging industries. This session will examine how states are using innovations such as career pathways to address the needs of students and the workforce, and outline successful state examples.
Moderator:
Senator Gary LeBeau, Connecticut, Vice Chair, NCSL Labor and Economic Development Committee
Speakers:
Cindy Fiorella, Owensboro Community and Technical College, Owensboro, Kentucky
Stephen DeWitt, Association for Career and Technical Education Power Point
Kimberly Green, National Association of State Directors of Career Technical Education Consortium
Kathy Shibley, Office of Career-Technical and Adult Education, Ohio Department of Education
US Dept. of Labor, Office of Vocational and Adult Education Materials:
► Listen to the Audio Recording
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Monday, July 26, 2010
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8:30 am - 10:00 am
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Opening General Session: Does Congress Really Care About the States?
U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell headlines the opening ceremony for the 2010 NCSL Legislative Summit. Hear his perspective on key national issues and the relationship between states and the federal government. A welcome from Kentucky's legislative leaders and a tribute to state legislators and state legislative staff who served in current U.S. military operations overseas will highlight this session.
Presiding: Georgia State Senator Don Balfour, NCSL President
Welcome: Kentucky Senate President David L. Williams and House Speaker Greg Stumbo
- National Anthem
- Pledge of Allegiance
- Prayer
- Civic Soldier Medal of Honor Awards Presentation
Keynote Addresses:
The Honorable Nancy Pelosi, D-California, Speaker of the U.S. House of Presentatives
► Watch Speaker Pelosi's Presentation
The Honorable Mitch McConnell, R-Kentucky, U.S. Senate Minority Leader
► Watch Senator McConnell's Presentation
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10:15 am - 12:00 pm
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Labor and Economic Development Committee Business Meeting
Members of the committee will discuss and act on committee business, consider any new policy resolutions submitted for consideration and review the following policies scheduled to expire:
- Free Trade and Federalism
- Employment Security System Funding
- NCSL Supports Travel and Tourism
- Responsible Housing
- Urging the Federal Government to Provide Authoritative Information to U.S. Public Sector Investors
Presiding:
Representative Juan C. Zapata, Florida, Chair, NCSL Labor and Economic Development Committee
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12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
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American Manufacturing in the 21st Century
NCSL gratefully acknowledges the support of Americans for the Arts in providing the committee’s luncheon.
Despite the recent challenges of the economic downturn, manufacturing remains an important sector in the U.S. economy. Committee members will learn how American manufacturers are adapting to meet the demands of the 21st century economy and contributing to the economic recovery. This session will explore innovative ways in which states legislators, private industry and workers are partnering together to achieve these shared goals.
Moderator:
Representative Lana Gordon, Kansas, Vice Chair, NCSL Labor and Economic Development Committee
Speakers:
Matthew McKinnon, International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers, Upper Marlboro, Maryland
Dr. I.S. Jawahir, University of Kentucky Center for Manufacturing, Lexington, Kentucky Power Point
Bob Babik, General Motors, Detroit, Michigan Power Point
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1:30 pm - 5:00 pm
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Rags to Riches: Economic Growth and Vitality in Downtown Louisville
Headed for ruins, downtown Louisville has gone through major redevelopment to become one of the premiere destinations in the state. The vibrant downtown area has created a multitude of jobs through small businesses, hotels, art museums, restaurants and shopping, all the while keeping the history, integrity and culture that's unique to Louisville. Join us for an information session and a spectacular tour of the dynamic Museum Row, including a tour of the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory.
Moderator:
Representative Brent Yonts, Kentucky, Immediate Past Chair, NCSL Labor and Economic Development Committee
Speakers:
Mayor Jerry E. Abramson, Louisville, Kentucky
Allan Cowen, Fund for the Arts, Kentucky Power Point
Anne Jewell, Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, Kentucky Power Point
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Tuesday, July 27, 2010
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9:00 - 10:15 am
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General Session - An Education Success Story
Jeb Bush was governor of a state whose education system ranked at the bottom nationally, but the will to improve and the courageous leadership of the Florida Legislature changed so much in a decade. Hear Governor Bush discuss why Florida didn’t abandon reform during tough times, but focused on the long-term benefits of providing quality education to every student in the state and reversed a generation of decline in public schools.
► Watch the Presentation
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10:30 am - 12:00 pm
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Jobs, Jobs and More Jobs
Despite signs that the nation may be recovering, unemployment remains high and state finances continue to suffer. With funds already scarce, many states have taken new approaches to spark their economies without further expenditures. Hear about what’s worked and what else states can do to encourage job growth.
Moderator:
Representative Earl Hilliard, Jr., Alabama, Vice Chair, NCSL Labor and Economic Development Committee
Speakers:
Delegate Terry Kilgore, Virgiina Power Point / Virginia Labor Update
Daniel Aaronson, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, Illinois Power Point
Representative Lou Lang, West Virginia
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10:30 am - 12:00 pm
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State Pensions Track: Legislators’ Guide to Public Pensions
Learn about legislators' power and responsibilities in the design and oversight of state retirement policy. Examine the complicated question of state governments' ability to change the benefits promised to current employees and retired people. Explore the process of making good policy in this technical and complicated area of law. Hear how a state pension study commission can contribute to the process.
Moderator:
Representative Juan C. Zapata, Florida, Chair, NCSL Labor and Economic Development Committee
Speakers:
Cindie Moore, National Council on Teacher Retirement (Former), Florida Power Point
Keith Brainard, National Association of State Retirement Administrators, Texas Power Point
Aristotle Hutras, Ohio Retirement Study Council, Ohio Power Point
► Watch the Presentation
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1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
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Workers’ Compensation: Containing Costs and Protecting Workers
States are enacting new medical cost containment strategies to stem the rising costs for workers’ compensation. Examine the effectiveness of medical fee schedules, regulating hospital and surgical charges, and limits on prescription drug costs, and explore other options to control costs for workers’ compensation claims.
Moderator:
Representative Susan Westrom, Kentucky
Speakers:
Steve Birnbaum, Workers Injury Law & Advocacy Group, California
Michelle Landers, Kentucky Employers' Mutual Insurance, Kentucky Power Point
Jeff Eddinger, National Council on Compensation Insurance, Florida Power Point
Dr. Victor Richard, WCRI, Massachusetts Power Point
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1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
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State Pensions Track: Current Issues in State Retirement Policy
Weak state revenues and loss of assets are not the only issues public retirement funds must cope with. The public workforce is aging, people would like to retire early, and in some states the workforce is shrinking. People are living longer. All these changes have to be factored into retirement policy. What’s the best way to keep track of all these moving parts?
Moderator:
Representative Julie Fisher, Utah, Vice Chair, NCSL Labor and Economic Development Committee
Speakers:
Senator Bill Heath, Georgia, Vice Chair, NCSL Labor and Economic Development Committee Power Point
Kil Huh, Pew Charitable Trusts, Washington, D.C. Power Point
Beth Almeida, National Institute for Retirement Security, Washington, D.C. Power Point
► Watch the Presentation
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2:45 pm - 4:15 pm
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Recovering from the Great Recession—The Role of Community Colleges
In a post-recession era, retraining workers is critical to decreasing unemployment in the states. Community colleges provide innovative, adaptable and real-time solutions by working closely with businesses and communities to meet state and regional workforce needs. Learn how states are emphasizing the role of community colleges in retraining workers, and how states can leverage federal and other money to supplement state money.
Moderator:
Senator Gary LeBeau, Connecticut, Vice Chair, NCSL Labor and Economic Development Committee
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2:45 pm - 4:15 pm
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Global Perspectives on Job Creation and Economic Development
Joint with International Programs
Learn how other countries have successfully changed their approach to workforce development. Discover what worked for them, what didn't and why. More than 150 international participants form more than 22 countries attend NCSL's Legislative Summit and will be given the opportunity to share their experiences, insights and knowledge.
Moderator:
Representative Anna Fairclough, Alaska, Vice Chair, NCSL Labor and Economic Development Committee
Speakers:
Shahid Esau, Western Cape Provincial Legislature, South Africa
Richard Torbay, Parliament of New South Wales, Austrailia
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2:45 pm - 4:15 pm
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State Pensions Track: State Responses to the Pension Crisis
Since mid-decade, states have taken unprecedented action to ensure they can sustain the long-term commitments to employee pensions. Hear about the kinds of responses states have been taking, and the Pew Center on the States’ important report on how well state governments are responding to the pension crisis.
Moderator:
Representative Brent Yonts, Kentucky, Immediate Past Chair, NCSL Labor and Economic Development Committee
Speakers:
Senator Kwame Raoul, Illinois
Senator Daniel Liljenquist, Utah Power Point
Ron Snell, NCSL - Denver, Colorado Power Point
Geraldine Madrid-Davis, National Public Pension Coalition, Washington, D.C. Power Point
► Watch the Presentation
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4:30 pm - 6:30 pm
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State Pensions Track: Discussion and Networking Reception
- 4:15 pm - 5:15 pm: Discussion Forum
Participants in the State Pensions Track will have an opportunity to review the day's sessions and participate in a roundtable discussion.
Facilitators:
Kil Huh, Pew Charitable Trusts, Washington, D.C.
Ron Snell, NCSL - Denver, Colorado
- 5:15 pm - 6:30 pm: Networking Reception
Legislators and legislative staff have the opportunity to network with colleagues at a reception. NCSL gratefully acknowleges The Pew Charitable Trust for sponsoring the reception.
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Wednesday, July 28, 2010
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8:00 am - 9:30 am
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State Pensions Track: Financing Public Retiree Health Care
The Government Accountability Office says that state governments’ fiscal conditions will decline over the next half-century—through 2060—largely because of the cost of health care. Retiree health care is a large part of the problem. Hear from experts on options designed to make health care costs more manageable.
Moderator:
Senator Bill Heath, Georgia, Vice Chair, NCSL Labor and Economic Development Committee
Speakers:
Speaker Terie T. Norelli, New Hampshire Handout
Michael Burnside, Kentucky Retirement System, Kentucky Power Point
Elizabeth Keller, Center for State and Local Government Excellence, Washington, D.C. Power Point
► Watch the Presentation
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8:00 am - 9:30 am
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State Unemployment Funds: Going for Broke?
State unemployment funding has been hit hard by the current recession. With rising unemployment, decreasing state revenues and more than half of the states borrowing money from the federal government to pay benefits, state legislators are looking for ways to improve funding for the current unemployment system. Learn about the system and get an update of federal and state actions.
Moderator:
Gilbert Loredo, Texas, Staff Vice Chair, NCSL Labor and Economic Development Committee
Speakers:
Andrea Wilko, Legislative Fiscal Analyst Office, Utah Power Point
Staff Chair, Labor Economic Development Committee
Mitchell Bean, House Fiscal Agency, Michigan Power Point
Margaret Piety, Legislative Services Agency, Indiana Power Point
Linda Bussell, Legislative Research Commission, Kentucky Power Point
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9:45 am - 11:00 am
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General Session - America's Take
Pollsters Peter Hart and Neil Newhouse have different political leanings but they both have a take on how Americans view the economy, the current direction of the country and how today’s politics will play out in November. Hear Hart, a Democrat whose client list includes the Clintons and Kennedys, and Newhouse, a Republican recently named "Pollster of the Year" for his work on Scott Brown’s Massachusetts Senate campaign, dissect Americans’ attitudes in this time of political turbulence.
► Watch the Presentation
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11:00 am - 12:30 pm
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NCSL Business Meeting
Attend the business meeting to vote on policy positions that guide NCSL's advocacy efforts before Congress and the administration; elect a new president and other officers for NCSL; and vote on the budget for the coming conference year.
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11:15 am - 12:30 pm
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Legislative Staff University: Salute to Legislative Staff
Just as strong states make a strong nation, strong legislative staffs make strong legislatures. Come celebrate the contributions staff make to their legislatures and to NCSL. Listen to David Landis—-former state senator, currently engaged in college teaching and urban planning—-discuss the importance of legislative service as a career, particularly at a time of public distrust of government and the retirement of staff who have been part of the legislature's rise in stature over the years.
Presiding: Nancy Cyr, Legislative Research Division, Nebraska, Staff Chair, NCSL
- NCSL University Kickoff
- Tribute to Staff Section Chairs
- Legislative Staff Achievement Awards
- Committee Staff Chair Awards
- Online Democracy Award
- Legislative Service Campaign Presentation
- Gavel Exchange
Keynote Address: David Landis, Lincoln Urban Development Department, Nebraska
► Watch the Presentation
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