Issue: 50                                                                                            Feb. 22, 2016
 


Despite being the largest age demographic in the United States, millennials are few and far between in statehouses across the country. In many states, the average age of a legislator is significantly older than the average age of the state's population. This discrepancy might cause misrepresentation of the population's policy interests, resulting in unmet needs for millennials.

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia's death on Feb. 13 came at an uncertain time in our nation's history, as we are quickly approaching a presidential election. Lisa Soronen of the State and Local Legal Center remembers the late justice's nearly 30-year career on the high court and his impact on state and local governments.


As secretary of the Nevada Senate for nearly five years, David Byerman oversaw the legislative body's operations. Having recently accepted a new challenge to serve as director of the Kentucky Legislative Research Commission, he shares tips for translating government from one state to another.

Eight states passed gas tax increases in 2015, while others took different actions to shore up transportation revenues. But 2016 could also see a large number of states join the club even after Congress approved a federal surface transportation bill last year. Tune in to CSG eCademy Tuesday, Feb. 23 at 2 p.m. EST, to hear from transportation experts, statehouse and transportation beat reporters, and legislators about how transportation funding might fare in 2016 legislative sessions across the country.

Food safety in restaurants made headlines last year when E. coli outbreaks linked to Chipotle Mexican Grill sickened 60 people in 14 states. All Chipotle restaurant locations closed until 3 p.m. Feb. 8, 2016, for an all-staff food safety meeting that was broadcast live. Preventing and controlling foodborne illness outbreaks is a collaborative effort between local and state health departments and federal agencies.  
From transportation to health care to education, there is no shortage of issues confronting state leaders. As states continue to shape priorities while rebounding from the Great Recession, they increasingly are working collaboratively--using interstate
compacts--to meet the needs of the American people. Governed by the tenets of contract law, interstate compacts provide states an enforceable, sustainable and durable tool capable of ensuring permanent change without federal intervention.
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So the million dollar question (other than who will fill Justice Antonin Scalia's seat) is what will happen to undecided Supreme Court cases heard or to be heard this term. The short answer is it depends and in all instances isn't entirely clear. Here is a look at five such cases affecting state and local governments. 
CSG is accepting applications for the 2016 Henry Toll Fellowship Program, to be held Aug. 26-31 in Lexington, Ky. For 30 years, CSG has brought the nation's top officials from all three branches of state government to the Bluegrass State for this intensive leadership development program, designed to foster personal assessment and growth while providing priceless networking opportunities. Apply online by April 15 for the opportunity to be part of the 30th CSG Toll Fellows Class!


Clean Power Plan Stay: What Does It Mean for Cities and States?
Monday, Feb. 22, 1:30 p.m. EST
SLLC Conference Call
Dial: (888) 608-3665
Code: 758-293-4439
MORE INFO HERE

Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2 p.m. EST
FREE CSG eCademy
 
Tuesday, March 15, 2 p.m. EST
FREE CSG webcast

Tuesday, March 22, 2 p.m. EST
FREE CSG eCademy
Presented by CSG West     

Founded in 1933, The Council of State Governments is our nation's only organization serving all three branches of state government. CSG is a region-based forum that fosters the exchange of insights and ideas to help state officials shape public policy. This offers unparalleled regional, national and international opportunities to network, develop leaders, collaborate and create problem-solving partnerships.  


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