Unfunded Mandates to be Key Focus of National Policy Meeting

11/24/2003

From: Bill Wyatt, 202-624-8667; Gene Rose, 303-856-1518; both of National Conference of State Legislatures

WASHINGTON, Nov. 24 -- As the nation's 50 state legislatures prepare for their 2004 legislative sessions, many state lawmakers are concerned about the increasing trend toward federally-mandated programs that come with little or no money for state implementation.

An upcoming meeting of the National Conference of State Legislatures' Standing Committees will focus on resolving the federal unfunded mandate "gap."

NCSL's Fall Forum will take place Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2003 through Friday, Dec. 12, 2003 at the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill and the Washington Court Hotel. The meeting will begin with a series of seminars designed for legislative leaders in the areas of state health, transportation and fiscal policy.

The preliminary agenda includes such keynote speakers as Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta and pollsters Ed Goeas and Al Quinlan.

Key policy sessions on the agenda are:

-- An Adequate Education for All: State Challenges Continue

-- Working at the Front End: Strategies for Preventing Abuse and Neglect of Infants and Toddlers

-- Global Warming -- What Role for States?

-- Congress, the States and Interstate Taxation

-- Tax Reform: Lessons Learned from the States

-- Identity Security: How Do We Know It's You?

As with all NCSL meetings, members of the media are welcome to attend. Journalists may pre-register before Nov. 27, 2003 by sending an e-mail to press-room@ncsl.org or by calling Bill Wyatt at 202-624-8667. Onsite registration is also available. For more information or a detailed agenda, visit NCSL's website at http://www.ncsl.org.

NCSL is the bipartisan organization that serves the legislators and staffs of the states, commonwealths and territories. They provide 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.