National Conference of State Legislatures
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The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) is a non-governmental organization (NGO) established in 1975 to serve the members and staff of state legislatures of the United States (states, commonwealths, and territories). NCSL 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. It has three objectives: to improve the quality and effectiveness of state legislatures; to promote policy innovation and communication among state legislatures; and to ensure state legislatures a strong, cohesive voice in the federal system.
All state legislators and staff members are automatically members of NCSL. NCSL provides research, publications, and networking opportunities to aid, train, and serve its members in a wide variety of ways.
NCSL is the premier legislative organization in the country and maintains relationships with the smaller policy organizations like the Council for State Governments (CSG). CSG representatives sit on NCSL's Executive Committee and NCSL representatives sit on CSG's Executive Committee and Governing Board.
NCSL maintains two offices: one in Denver and the other in Washington, D.C..
Day-to-day operations of the organization are in the hands of its Executive Director, William T. Pound. The organization is led by a legislator who serves as its President and by a legislative staffer who serves as Staff Chair. Twenty years after its founding, NCSL was led in 1994 by its first female President, former Congresswoman Karen McCarthy. Its first African-American President, Rep. Daniel T. Blue, served in 1998-99.
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[edit] Past NCSL Presidents and Staff Chairs
- 2008-09 - Representative Joe Hackney and Gary VanLandingham
- 2007-08 - Delegate Donna Stone
- 2006-07 - Senator Leticia Van de Putte and Steve Miller
- 2005-06 - Senator Steve Rauschenberger and Susan Clark Schaar
- 2004-05 -
- 2003-04 -
- 2002-03 -
- 2001-02 -
- 2000-01 -
- 1999-00 -
- 1998-99 - Representative Daniel T. Blue, Jr.
- 1997-98 -
- 1996-97 -
- 1995-96 -
- 1995 - Representative Jane L. Campbell
- 1994 - Representative Karen McCarthy
- 1992-93 -
[edit] Committees
NCSL has 12 standing committees whose membership consists of state legislators and staff:
- Agriculture and Energy
- Budgets and Revenue
- Communications, Financial Services and Interstate Commerce
- Education
- Environment
- Health
- Human Services and Welfare
- Labor and Economic Development
- Law and Criminal Justice
- Legislative Effectiveness
- Redistricting and Elections
- Transportation
These committees establish policy positions and coordinate lobbying efforts in Washington DC.
[edit] Annual events
NCSL organizes three annual events for the general membership:
- Fall Forum
- Spring Forum
- Legislative Summit (Annual Meeting)
The Spring Forum is always held in Washington DC, whereas the other two events are held in major cities throughout the US. The Annual Meeting is the largest of these events, partly because it occurs in the summer when state legislatures are in recess.
In addition, NCSL sponsors many programs and exchanges.
[edit] External links
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