Denver—Transforming education, workforce improvement, economic outlook, a U.S. Supreme Court update—these are just a handful of the topics the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) will livestream from the 47th annual Legislative Summit in Denver, Aug. 1-3.
Since 1975, the NCSL Legislative Summit has brought together legislators and staff from both sides of the aisle to tackle critical problems and find solutions that work. Viewers can watch each streamed session for free. They will be broadcast on NCSL’s website and its Facebook and LinkedIn pages. Information about presenters can be found on the main agenda page.
The selected sessions are as follows; all times Mountain:
Monday, Aug. 1
How to Find and Keep Talent in the Great Reshuffle | 10:30-11:45 a.m.
It takes top-notch public sector employees to provide services and support constituents. From staff compensation to career opportunities and everything in between, learn how states and legislatures are adjusting to the labor market’s “Great Reshuffle,” as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce calls it. Also, learn about ways to hold on to great staff.
Economic Outlook: A Rocky Road Ahead? | 1:30-2:30 p.m.
The U.S. economy has faced many challenges over the past two years, and there could be more trouble coming. Hear an expert economist discuss current economic trends and potential challenges to state finances, including inflation, war, the pandemic and the job market.
Working on Workforce: The National Service Factor | 2:45-3:45 p.m.
How can national service programs like AmeriCorps strengthen your workforce? Come hear a panel of experts discuss funding, community impact, best practices and bipartisan policy options lawmakers are using to make a meaningful difference in their worker pipelines.
Tuesday, Aug. 2
General Session ‘Lessons in Trust: The Christmas Truce of 1914’ | 9-10:15 a.m.
On Christmas in 1914, thousands of Allied soldiers put down their rifles and spent the evening mingling with German fighters along the Western Front. In today’s polarized political environment, what lessons can we take from the Christmas Truce of 1914? How can we build the kind of trust in our legislative chambers that led soldiers to lay down their weapons and come together—even for one night?
Five Big Ideas to Improve Crisis Response | 10:30-11:45 a.m.
Many people who lack access to mental health treatment end up arrested or in emergency rooms—meaning they don’t always get the best care. Faculty pitch ways to change the status quo, from leveraging the new 988 crisis hotline to crafting arrest alternatives. Come ready to share your ideas!
Cracking a Cold Case | 1:30-2:30 p.m.
There are over 250,000 unsolved murders nationwide. Evolving technology in the criminal justice system helps to solve these cases through DNA analysis. Hear about the latest methods from an expert at a one-of-a-kind genome sequencing lab and a Denver police officer who just solved a 40-year-old cold case.
Tips and Tricks for Crafting a Great Story | 2:45-3:45 p.m.
Using stories can change hearts and minds, reveal common ground and build connections. Whether you already have a collection of stories or are just starting out, this session is for you! Learn from professional storytellers who will inspire you with their tales and teach you how to expertly create and tell your own.
Making the Most of Medicaid | 4-5 p.m.
With the COVID-19 pandemic adding millions of new beneficiaries to Medicaid, lawmakers are looking for ways to control costs and enhance program performance. This session will highlight state strategies to address priority policy issues in Medicaid programs, such as maternal and infant mortality, behavioral health and the opioid crisis, and community-based services to help keep people in their own homes and communities. National experts and state officials will discuss the pandemic’s impact on the program and what state legislatures can expect next.
Wednesday, Aug. 3
Transforming Our Education System: Lessons From Legislators | 10:30-11:45 a.m.
Eager for a new vision of a more effective, efficient education system that truly prepares all students for college and career? Join us to hear from your colleagues who are members of NCSL’s International Education Study Group. They’ll share their findings and new tools and policy options for the 2023 legislative session.
Supreme Court Center Stage | 1:30-2:45 p.m.
In their most recent term, U.S. Supreme Court justices heard cases on controversial topics including mask mandates, affirmative action and abortion. Join our esteemed panel as we dive into these issues and unpack their impact on state legislatures.
About the NCSL Legislative Summit
Reflective of the organization’s national membership, the NCSL Legislative Summit is held in a different city each year. This year’s Summit is projected to generate more than $12 million in economic activity in Denver and take up more than 12,000 room nights.
All meetings held in conjunction with NCSL’s Legislative Summit are open to the press. Registration is required, but free to credentialed members of the media. Online registration is open; on-site registration for media is available between 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. at the Colorado Convention Center. Please review NCSL’s media policy before registering.
NCSL is a bipartisan organization that serves the legislators and staffs of the states, commonwealths and territories. It provides research, technical assistance and opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas on the most pressing state issues and is an effective and respected advocate for the interests of the states in the American federal system.