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 thee states.  8 a.m., Thursday, July 24, Convention Center R04-R05--Second Level

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 will put the economic picture—and what it means for the states—in focus. 10 a.m., Thursday, July 24, Convention Center 218-219--Second Level

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. Hear three national experts discuss recent initiatives intended to control costs while preserving or improving health outcomes. 1 p.m., Thursday, July 24, Convention Center 218-219--Second Level

Immigrants and Economics: What’s the Bottom Line?

Hear the pros and cons of foreign workers in the U.S. economy and what it means for state budgets. This interactive forum with leading economists and researchers will help separate fact from fiction. Discuss NCSL's latest report on state actions related to immigrants.  1 p.m., Thursday, July 24, Convention Center 220-221--Second Level

Mortgage Boom and Bust
With foreclosures climbing and housing markets cooling, homeowners and communities face financial challenges. Borrowers face the loss of their homes and credit problems, lenders face lost revenue, and regulators face questions about their role in failing to protect consumers. Hear how policymakers and industry can work together to address mortgage lending issues.  1 p.m., Thursday, July 24, Convention Center 210--Second Level

Two Decades of School Choice: What Have We Learned?
States and school districts have been experimenting with school choice for nearly 25 years. Hear 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.  1 p.m., Thursday, July 24, Convention Center R08-R09--Second Level 

New Life for Online Government
Web 2.0--a second generation of the Internet--offers new ways to provide services and collaborate with citizens on health, education, public safety and civic life. Explore Second Life and other social networking tools being used by Congress, NASA, the CDC and others.  8 a.m., Friday, July 25, Convention Center 220-221--Second Level

America's Energy Coast: A New Sustainability Case Study
Home to 17 petroleum refineries and more than 180 petrochemical plants that produce jet fuel, lubricants and more--which are transported through the world's largest system port and 35,000 miles of pipeline--the wetlands along the Gulf Coast are critical to the nation's economic future. Hear state legislators describe the unique accord that will inform the policy process for domestic energy security and habitat restoration and help secure economic and environmental priorities.  8 a.m., Friday, July 25, Convention Center 207--Second Level

Controlling Prison Populations and Price Tags
State prison populations are projected to grow by nearly 200,000 inmates and at a cost of $27.5 billion to states by 2011. Learn what legislatures are doing to control the growth in prison budgets.  8 a.m., Friday, July 25, Convention Center R08-09--Second Floor

America's Autism Challenge 
An estimated one in every 150 American children is diagnosed with autism. State legislatures are faced with the challenge of serving the needs of a fast growing population, including early identification and intervention, treatment and the long-term impact on health and special education programs.  2 p.m., Friday, July 25, Hilton Riverside Grand Salon Sections 4+7+10--Street Level

Rising Food Prices: The End of Cheap Food?
Most experts believe higher food prices will be a fact of life for some time. The crisis is being driven in part by ethanol production, drought, rising fuel prices and increased demand in developing economies. This session will examine the causes of rising prices and the effects on consumers.   2 p.m., Friday, July 25, Hilton Riverside Grand Salon, Sections 19+22--Street Level

Time to Take a Stand: The Harlem Children's Zone
Geoffrey Canada is trying to change the odds for poor kids living in a 60 block area of New York City that he calls his zone--The Harlem Children's Zone. Canada's board includes Wall Street executives and his business plan reads like corporate strategy--all to keep kids off the streets and reading at grade level. Learn about one of the most ambitious efforts underway to prove that poor children can succeed.  2 p.m., Friday, July 25, Hilton Riverside Grand Salon Sections 13+16--Street Level

Is the Presidential Primary Process Broken?
Critics say the presidential primary process starts too early and takes too long. With states breaking party rules and public confusion about super delegates, the country finds itself asking, again, "Is there a better way?"  2 p.m., Friday, July 25, Jefferson Ballroom at the Hilton Riverside

A full preliminary agenda is available by clicking here.

Here are a few more of the 150 policy sessions that might spark your interest!   
Energy, Economic and Environmental Sustainability
Eyes of the Storm
State Budget Update
Improving Emergency Communications
Dealing with Drought 

During the meeting, there will be several press conferences to release NCSL reports. The majority of the press conferences will be in the Press Conference Room, in Room 213 on the Second Level of the Convention Center. Policy experts, state legislators and speakers will also be made available for one-on-one interviews with the media. Schedules will be posted in the press room.

NCSL is the bipartisan organization that serves the legislators and staff 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.

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