June 2021 | Issue 1
Need a Reason to Register for the Annual Meeting? How About Six?

Still deciding whether or not to join us for the upcoming Annual Meeting? Based on feedback from members over the years, here are a few of the more popular reasons to attend.

  1. Networking with legislative peers and stakeholders;
  2. Conversations fostering the exchange of information;
  3. Engaging with topic experts on key topics;
  4. Sessions focused on regional concerns;
  5. Continued professional development; and
  6. Opportunity to discuss international intersection with state governance

As an added bonus, the scenery in Colorado Springs is quite spectacular! Click below to check out the meeting schedule and learn more about how to register.
Policy Updates
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Can North America Come Together to Upskill Its Labor Pools?
In 2019, Former U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, Earl Anthony Wayne, presented at the North American Summit during the CSG West Annual Meeting addressing workforce development in the continent. A key focus of his remarks addressed the skills gap faced by Canada, the United States, and Mexico, and how this may impact global competitiveness in coming years. Recently, he penned an op-ed advocating for the collaboration of the North American nations to address upskilling needs of workers to meet coming demands. A copy of his 2019 presentation can be found in the Annual Meeting archive on our website and a link to the recent article below.
Refugee Resettlement: A State Perspective
June 20 marks World Refugee Day- the day that the United Nations and more than 100 countries commemorate the obstacles that refugees face, while also celebrating their courage and strength. In collaboration with the International Rescue Committee (IRC), CSG West will host a series of sessions, as part of its Legislative Exchange, addressing the complexities of refugee resettlement with specific focus on the role of state governments. The first session will take place on June 25 at 11am (PDT). Click below to learn more about this topic and how to participate in the conversations. 
U.S. Supreme Court Updates
Tribal Police Authority Backed by U.S. Supreme Court Ruling
With a unanimous decision in the case of United States v. Cooley , the U.S. Supreme Court reversed the Ninth Circuit and held that tribal police officers may detain and search a non-Indian traveling on public rights-of-way running through a reservation. In the majority opinion, Justice Breyer referenced Montana v. United States stating that "to deny a tribal police officer authority to search and detain for a reasonable time any person he or she believes may commit or has committed a crime would make it difficult for tribes to protect themselves against ongoing threats." To read a recap of the case, click below.
Member Updates
CSG West Vice Chair Applications Open
Through collective leadership, the CSG West Officers lead the organization's efforts to support regional collaboration, information sharing, and professional development. For those interested in applying their skills as an officer, we encourage you to submit an application by the September 14 deadline! Click below to learn more about the position and selection process.
LCRG to Meet August 23 & 24
Over the past year, several significant developments have impacted the Columbia River Basin, including:

  • Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson's Columbia Basin Initiative;
  • Discovery of Invasive Quagga Mussels in Coeur D'Alene, Idaho;
  • Efforts to contain COVID and reopen economies, and;
  • Health of fisheries across the basin

These are just some of the issues front and center for those with interests related to the Columbia River Basin and look forward to discussing them at the upcoming LCRG meeting in Lewiston, Idaho on August 23 & 24. We hope to see you there!
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