Hello Midwestern Legislative Conference (MLC) Criminal Justice & Public Safety (CJPS) Committee members. I hope you and your families are staying safe during this uncertain time. 

First, an update about our annual meeting. The Council of State Governments (CSG) Midwest and the MLC Executive Committee members are constantly monitoring the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation and preparing accordingly. The MLC Annual Meeting is currently planned to proceed as scheduled, but guidance and requirements from the CDC and state health officials will be followed. we will continue to update our members moving forward. The national CSG office has put together a COVID-19 Resources for State Leaders website. This new site shows how legislative sessions have been affected, what executive orders have been issued, case rates, etc. 

As mentioned above, planning for the MLC Annual Meeting in Detroit, MI, on July 19-22, is going ahead as scheduled. Conversations have already begun for the CJPS Committee's portion of the annual meeting. One session that will be open to all attendees will cover "Policy Strategies to Counteract Increasing County Jail Populations." Please click the link in the Important Dates calendar to the left for registration, hotel and travel information, and further session details. 

Next, The MLC CJPS Committee is teaming up with the MLC Economic Development Committee to host a webinar on the week of April 13. "Ex-Offenders Entering and Re-Entering the Workforce," will explore the trends in helping ex-offenders re-enter the workforce with the necessary skills for employment, as well as the opportunities for employment that will lead to good-paying and stable employment. Specific presenters, date, and time are still being worked out, but committee Co-Chair Rep. Shannon Roers Jones of North Dakota has agreed to co-host. Please keep an eye out in the coming days for further information and a registration link. 

	MLC CJPS Committee Member, Rep. Wendy McNamara of Indiana