National Conference of State Legislatures - The Forum for America's Ideas

Press Room

Capitol Ideas: Jan. 5, 2012

Capitol Ideas is a periodic listing of story ideas and background information from new NCSL research. For more information, contact NCSL's Press Team. In this edition of Capitol Ideas: the Top 12 Legislative Issues of 2012, New Laws that Rang in the New Year, and Who Meets in 2012? More

Top 12 Legislative Issues of 2012

Each year, NCSL develops an annual list that examines some of the most pressing and important topics on state legislative agendas. The Top 12 of 2012 is not meant to cover every topic or issue states will tackle during the upcoming legislative session, but rather to highlight some of the program areas and issues that will command the attention of policymakers. The top 12 Issues of 2012 are listed in no particular order. More

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Check here for NCSL’s positions on a variety of issues affecting shared state and federal issues.

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Press Room Overview

The National Conference of State Legislatures is a bipartisan organization that serves the legislators and staffs of the states, commonwealths and territories. It 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.

NCSL's media and public affairs office provides assistance to members of the news media on state legislation and legislative activity across a broad spectrum of issue areas. Public Affairs staff are located in the Denver and Washington, D.C., offices to assist the media's needs on deadline. Reporters can reach policy analysts for comment through the media and public affairs office. NCSL sends breaking news alerts and other updates to a listserv of interested subscribers. To receive regular updates, send an e-mail to press-room@ncsl.org.

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Reporters also can follow NCSL on Facebook, and Twitter as well as listen to podcasts on The Buzz and read blog postings on The Thicket, NCSL's blog.

Meetings

Media and public affairs staff also assist reporters who attend NCSL meetings. Credentialed news reporters can attend NCSL's three annual meetings -- Fall Forum, Spring Forum and Legislative Summit -- at no cost. Credentialed members of the media and bloggers covering the event must register with the media and public affairs office.

Capitol Ideas

NCSL's media and public affairs office releases a monthly list of story ideas with resources for state house reporters called Capitol Ideas. These tip sheets often reflect developing issues and trends in the states, along with recently published reports from NCSL's policy experts. As part of NCSL's role in fostering a strong state-federal partnership, Capitol Ideas also highlights federal legislation that affects states. To receive Capitol Ideas, send an e-mail to the press room.

News Announcements and Press Releases

NCSL stores electronic news announcements, multimedia clips and press releases on its archive page. To access archived previously released reports, please contact the press room.

Today's Quote

“In terms of a plan being thrown out, I think West Virginia is the only one that has happened so far.”

NCSL's Tim Story in the Virginia Watchdog.org

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