The decade saw pivotal moments, from the disputed 2000 presidential election to the transformative impact of 9/11, as well as the continued rise of technology and evolving roles for state legislatures. 

The 1990s were a time of both triumphs and challenges for state legislatures and saw legislatures navigating pressures of term limits, voter initiatives and corruption scandals, while embracing new technologies and public policy changes. 

As part of the current congressional budget reconciliation process, there have been proposals to cut federal funding to states for social service programs including Medicaid, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), the Supplemental...

From the influence of Ronald Reagan's presidency, to the impact of federal cutbacks on state governments, to significant advancements for women in politics, the 1980s were spent navigating the political and social landscape of the times. 

NCSL was formed in 1974 amidst political turmoil, with its creation marked by the resignation of President Richard Nixon and a dramatic incident at a state dinner.

A recent NCSL survey suggests that legislators are spending more time on legislative work than they were 20 years ago.