Thursday's Keynote Session
Political heavyweights Newt Gingrich, Lee Hamilton, Michael Bloomberg and Ed Rendell put the spotlight on a wide range of issues, including education and the nation's crumbling infrastructure. Full story>>

Immigration Remains Hot Topic for States
While 2007 is typically looked upon as record year for state immigration-related legislation, 2008 rivals the number and types of measures introduced in 45 state houses in session. So far, 1,267 bills related to immigrants and immigration were introduced in state legislatures across the country with at least 175 of those becoming law in 39 states.

Becoming Resilient Change Masters -- Staying Right side Up in a World that is Upside Down (Legislative Staff Breakfast)
Discover the three characteristics of resilient people and how to develop five attributes that allow individuals and organizations to thrive in a constantly changing world. This provocative presentation was food for thought, substance for your soul, and humor for the spirit.

Distance will not be a Deterrent for Legislative Leaders from around the Globe
International leaders from more than 25 countries gathered in New Orleans to exchange information and hear various perspectives on public policy as part of the National Conference of State Legislatures' Legislative Summit.

Dedicated Legislative Staffers Win 2008 Staff Achievement Awards
Nineteen state legislative staffers or divisions have been honored by members of the National Conference of State Legislatures for their dedication to legislative institutions. NCSL's 10 staff sections and staff network, national associations of state workers who serve in similar capacities across the country, chose the 2008 recipients of the Legislative Staff Achievement Awards

Don't Mess with Texas or Its Website
NCSL's Online Democracy Award is given each year to a legislature, legislative chamber or caucus whose website stands out for making democracy user-friendly. The Texas' website stood out for its ease of navigation, depth of content and openness and availability of information for the public.

Women's Legislative Network Luncheon, Featuring the Women of the Storm
The Women of the Storm is a grassroots advocacy group of women dedicated to restoring and revitalizing their communities after hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Listen to their stories and to the Network's annual elections.

Keeping the Farm: Supports for Minority, Socially Disadvantaged and Beginning Farmers to Stay in the Business
As small family farms decrease, the difficulties faced by minority, socially disadvantaged and beginning farmers intensify. The new farm bill contains provisions for outreach, technical assistance and education for these kinds of farmers. It also contains additional funds to settle claims from a class action lawsuit against the USDA filed by African-American farmers.

Offender Addicts: Treatment Approaches, Effectiveness
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.

What Is the Financial Status of American Women? Perception vs. Reality
Women control the majority of consumer spending, yet they are 40 percent more likely to be poor than men. In today’s troubled economy, knowing how to navigate the financial world is a basic life skill that every woman deserves.

Fighting Crime With DNA
DNA continues to transform criminal justice systems, but tapping its full potential remains a challenge. Learn both the demand for and costs of DNA and state strategies for harnessing the possibilities.

Investing in Our Future: The Status of America's Youth
From health to education, from juvenile justice to workforce readiness, how are our youth doing? Find out where we are as a country, and learn about promising practices to improve the outlook for the next generation.
PowerPoint Presentation >>

The Sandbox Investment: The Impact of Pre-K
Recent state investments in preschool total $2 billion--will this trend continue and expand nationally? Author David Kirp delves into the pre-k movement and how states can capitalize on what works best, based on compelling research.

Two Decades of School Choice: What Have We Learned?
States and school districts have been experimenting with school choice for nearly 25 years. Listen to diverse perspectives on how well the choice experiment has worked, and which strategies have been successful in improving student achievement and improving the public school system.

What Reporters Want to Know
What do reporters want? Learn some of the best tricks of the trade from one of the most respected and well-known political reporters in the West. Learn how to get the media's attention, what types of stories reporters want, and how to conduct yourself during an interview. It's more than just writing a press release, it's the entire package.

Building a Workforce for the Future: The State Role
Developing a vital workforce requires big picture thinking and coordinating stakeholders in education, economic development, fiscal, workforce, commerce and human resources. Identify the legislative actions required to build a workforce to compete in the global economy.

Same-Sex Unions: Developments, Conflicts Under State Laws
The California Supreme Court recently struck down the state's ban on same-sex marriage. How will this affect "defense of marriage" acts in some states and at the federal level that recognize marriage as between only a man and a woman? Explore the disparity of marriage and civil union laws around the states.

E-Discovery and the Law- Thursday
Examine the federal and the NCCUSL uniform rules for electronically stored information. Legislatures are getting more requests for electronic information (e-mail, phone records, etc.). Who is the custodian of these records? How long should we keep them? How does this affect the attorney-client privilege between legislator and drafter?

Government E-Mail: Laws and Policies
Is all government e-mail a public record? Do citizens have any privacy rights regarding electronic communications with government officials? What policies are needed for retention of e-mail records? In this video experts discuss current laws, policies and court cases.

Economic Thunderstorms: Will They Drench State Budgets?
The nation's mortgage crisis has rocked the economy and spawned talk of a national recession. Economist David Wyss of Standard and Poor's put the economic picture—and what it means for the states—in focus.
PowerPoint Presentation >>
David Wyss PowerPoint Presentation >>

Can We Afford Our Health Care? New Directions and Solutions
America spends an astounding $2.4 trillion to keep us alive, productive and healthy -- a number that will rise another $175 billion in 2008. Some states want to take the lead in "fixing" key parts of this system—a daunting task for big-government and small-government experts alike. Listen to how three national experts discuss recent initiatives intended to control costs while preserving or improving health outcomes.
PowerPoint Presentation >>
PowerPoint Presentation >>
Speaker Bios >>

Public Policy Impact of Natural Disasters
Legislators must be poised to make public policy decisions to speed up recovery efforts after natural disasters. Explore the changes within governments caused by natural disasters, legislators' perspective on the needs of government following natural disasters, and the role of legislative auditors and evaluators in supporting recovery and rebuilding.