Capitol Ideas | Issue 3 | 2021 | Madam Speaker

T H E

C O U N C I L

O F

S TAT E

Your Guide to Legislative Leadership Setting legislative priorities and managing floor processes, these leaders are mentors, managers, gatekeepers and strategists

Secure Your State Capitol

States reassess building security as domestic violent extremism poses a heightened threat in 2021

The American Rescue Plan

Treasury issues new guidance to request and spend federal funds

MADAM SPEAKER Discover how Virginia’s first female House Speaker is changing traditions

G O V E R N M E N T S

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The Council of State Governments is the nation’s largest nonpartisan organization serving all three branches of state elected and appointed officials.

CSG champions excellence in state government to advance the common good.

STRONGER TOGETHER 3 B R ANC H E S OF GOVE RN M E N T 5 6 STAT ES AN D T E RRITORIE S 4 ST R O NG RE GION AL OF F ICE S

CSG is where you belong.

LEGISLATIVE LEADERSHIP

ISSUE 3 / 2021

Delegate Eileen Filler-Corn, Virginia’s first female speaker of the state House of Delegates

ON THE COVER

For the first time in Virginia’s 233-year history, the legislature appointed a female speaker of the state House of Delegates. Meet Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn and find out how she is changing tradition.

06 14 38 STAY CONNECTED

The Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund — part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 — provides approximately $350 billion in federal fiscal assistance for sub-federal governments. The U.S. Department of the Treasury is accepting applications for allocations and has issued guidance to help states determine how funding can be used.

A Y E A R O F L E G I S L AT I V E F I R S T S Twenty-eight states were in the middle of legislative session when the COVID-19 federal state of emergency was declared in March 2020, and with very little notice, many had to change course. Learn more about how states worked to maintain the integrity of their voting and how technology will continue to impact their work in the future.

M E E T V I R G I N I A’ S F I R S T F E M A L E S P E A K E R O F T H E H O U S E “I truly believe when

you lean into what’s right, you are on the right side of the issues.” On Jan. 8, 2020, the hand holding the gavel inside the Virginia House of Delegates belonged to a woman for the first time in the state’s 400-year history. Meet Virginia’s first female speaker of the House, Eileen Filler-Corn.

E X T E N D E D O V E R S I G H T O F E X E C U T I V E O R D E R S Since January 2020, governors across the U.S. have issued more than 3,600 executive orders in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As the end of the public health emergency comes into sight, many state legislatures are looking into legislative oversight of the powers a governor could exert in a future emergency.

@CSGovts

facebook.com/CSGovts

CSGovts

linkedin.com/company/council-of-state-governments

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G U I DA N C E F R O M T H E U . S . D E PA R T M E N T O F T H E T R E A S U R Y

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LEGISLATIVE LEADERSHIP / ISSUE 3 / 2021 6 Guidance from the U.S.

38 Extended Oversight of

The Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund provides approximately $350 billion in federal fiscal assistance for sub-federal governments. Learn how to apply for allocations and how funding can be used.

As the end of the public health emergency comes into sight, many state legislatures are looking into legislative oversight of the powers a governor could exert in a future emergency.

Department of the Treasury

10 Using ARP Funding for In a new report from the CSG Justice Center, states will find suggested strategies to consider in order to use American Rescue Plan funds to advance justice-related goals.

14 A Year of Legislative Firsts

44 Communicating with

States had to change course and adapt to closed capitol buildings and other changes to the lawmaking process in 2020. Learn more about how states worked to maintain the integrity of their voting and how technology will continue to impact their work into the future.

18 The State Legislators

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W H AT ’ S H A P P E N I N G AT C S G

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THEY TWEETED IT

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E A S T U P DAT E

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M I D W E S T U P DAT E

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S O U T H U P DAT E

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W E S T U P DAT E

Constituents

According to communications experts, honesty, time and simply listening are key to how elected officials can best communicate with the communities they serve.

48 State WIC Agencies

Receive Funding Through CSG

Explore an in-depth, by-the-numbers look at the 2021 state legislative branch, including terms and party affiliations in this data that will appear in the CSG 2021 edition of The Book of the States.

The WIC Special Project Innovation Grant, a partnership between CSG and the USDA, is helping select state WIC agencies across the country improve their application processes and help families in challenging times.

20 Legislative Leadership

52 New Occupational

From setting legislative priorities to managing floor processes and staff, legislative leaders play an outsized role in statehouses across the U.S. Meet this year’s leadership.

F E AT U R E S

40 Securing State Capitols States are reassessing their Capitol building security protocols following the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol. As the U.S. Intelligence Community assesses that domestic violent extremism poses a heightened threat in 2021, learn what new provisions are being made.

Justice-Related Goals

40

Executive Orders

34 Meet Virginia’s First Female Speaker of the House On Jan. 8, 2020, the hand holding the gavel inside the Virginia House of Delegates belonged to a woman for the first time in the state’s 400-year history. Meet Virginia’s first female Speaker of the House, Eileen Filler-Corn.

Licensure Partnership with Department of Defense

CSG has partnered with the Department of Defense to develop new interstate compacts for occupational licensure portability in order to help remove barriers for workers seeking employment.

55 Meet the New Director of

CSG South

Alabama native Lindsey Gray takes the reigns of the CSG Southern Region office and brings with her great experience and a fresh perspective.

Gov. Laura Kelly

Sen. Joan Ballweg

KANSAS CSG National President

WISCONSIN CSG National Chair

Publisher

Graphic Designers

DAVID ADKINS dadkins@csg.org

THERESA CARROLL tcarroll@csg.org

Managing Editor

STEPHANIE NORTHERN snorthern@csg.org

BLAIR HESS bhess@csg.org

Associate Editors JOEL SAMS jsams@csg.org

JESSICA RUSHER jrusher@csg.org

Email capitolideas@csg.org

MARY ELIZABETH LONERGAN mrobertson@csg.org

Hon. Ted Arnott, Speaker ONTARIO, CANADA CSG East Chair

Sen. Gary Cammack SOUTH DAKOTA CSG Midwest Chair

Contributing CSG Staff Writers TIM ANDERSON tanderson@csg.org

BILL SWINFORD bswinford@csg.org

KEITH BUCKHOUT kbuckhout@csg.org

MEGAN QUATTLEBAUM mquattlebaum@csg.org

ROGER MOORE rmoore@csg.org

RACHEL WRIGHT rwright@csg.org

SARAH NEEDLER sneedler@csg.org Speaker Cameron Sexton TENNESSEE CSG South Chair

Rep. Clark Kauffman IDAHO CSG West Chair

David Adkins CSG EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/CEO dadkins@csg.org

Lindsey Gray CSG SOUTH DIRECTOR lgray@csg.org

Michael H. McCabe

Edgar Ruiz

CSG MIDWEST DIRECTOR mmccabe@csg.org

CSG WEST DIRECTOR eruiz@csg.org

CAPITOL IDEAS, ISSN 2152-8489, ISSUE 3, Vol. 71, No. 1 – Published five times annually by The Council of State Governments, 1776 Avenue of the States, Lexington, KY 40511-8536. Opinions expressed in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the policies of The Council of State Governments nor the views of the editorial staff. Readers’ comments are welcome. Subscription rates: in the U.S., $42 per year. Single issues are available at $7 per copy. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Capitol Ideas, Sales Department, The Council of State Governments, 1776 Avenue of the States, Lexington, KY 40511-8536. Periodicals postage paid at Lexington, Ky., and additional mailing offices.

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Copyright 2021 by The Council of State Governments.

An accessible version of this publication is available upon request. Please email capitolideas@csg.org.

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David Biette CSG EAST DIRECTOR dbiette@csg.org

MATT SHAFER mshafer@csg.org

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WHAT’S

HAPPENING AT CSG

Apply or Nominate a Colleague for the CSG 20 Under 40 Leadership Award The CSG 20 Under 40 Leadership Award recognizes the outstanding work of 20 up-and-coming elected and appointed officials from across the country who not only exemplify strong leadership skills but have also demonstrated a true commitment to serving the citizens of their state/territory. Nominees for the award should have demonstrated the ability to engage officials across party affiliations, departments, branch and/or state lines in meaningful ways to advance the common good for their state/territory; should provide exceptional leadership to a state project, committee, chamber, commission or special group; and should serve as a champion of change and seek to enhance the lives of all constituents within a specific policy area. Learn more or apply today at web.csg.org/20-40. You can apply without all of your supporting materials; however, all documents must be submitted by the July 23 deadline. Send questions to membership@csg.org.

ISSUE 3 2021 | CSG CAPITOL IDEAS

Cannabis Regulators Association Joins CSG as its Latest Affiliate

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CSG is excited to welcome its newest affiliated organization, Cannabis Regulators Association (CANNRA). Established in August 2020, the founding CANNRA members include the principal state cannabis regulators from states and the District of Columbia. CANNRA is not a cannabis advocacy group and takes no formal position for or against cannabis legalization. Rather, it seeks to provide government jurisdictions with unbiased information to help make informed decisions when considering whether or how to legalize or expand regulated cannabis. The organization’s mission is to identify and share best practices that safeguard public health and safety and promote regulatory certainty for industry participants. CANNRA works with a wide community of regulatory offices, public health officials, law enforcement agencies, research institutions and other supporting regulatory partners. Learn more: cann-ra.org.

Share Your Feedback: Reentry in the Wake of COVID-19 Community-based reentry service providers have faced countless challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many had to halt the essential services they provide to help people returning from prison or jail reenter successfully despite an increase in requests for these services. Those service disruptions often have been coupled with financial impacts, including layoffs and maintaining cash flow. In April 2020, the CSG Justice Center surveyed reentry practitioners to understand the immediate impact of the pandemic. Today, a new survey seeks to capture how organizations have adjusted to respond to the pandemic and where gaps persist a year later. Findings will be shared with policymakers and stakeholders across the country to inform reentry policy, practice and resource allocation based on local community needs considering the pandemic. Take the survey: csgovts.info/reentrysurvey.

CSG Members and Policy Experts Convene to Begin Work on National Task Force The 2021-22 CSG Healthy States National Task Force is a bipartisan working group of state leaders from all three branches of government tasked with providing resources and recommendations for state governments on how to best address current state challenges, including those resulting from and intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic. Supported by CSG staff and other subject matter experts, this national task force will focus on four key policy areas during the biennium to provide states a holistic policy strategy for their shared challenges. The task force met in June virtually and each of the four subcommittees — Fiscal Health, Civic Health, Economic and Workforce Health, and Human Health — met to begin their subject discussions and outline goals for what they will explore over the next two years.

During this time, the task force will release a series of resources including publications, digital content, educational programming, recommendations and other key findings to share with state leaders across all 50 states and the U.S. territories. Learn more about the work: web.csg.org/csghealthystates

Join CSG at its Regional and National Meetings in 2021 We look forward to seeing you in person in Santa Fe for the 2021 CSG National Conference, Dec. 1-4. Find information on hotel accommodations as well as a preliminary conference agenda, an outline of the CSG Safe Meetings Guidelines, travel information and partnership opportunities on the conference website, web.csg.org/2021. Additionally, CSG regional offices will convene state policymakers from all levels and branches of government in the coming months in order to enrich public policy discussion and to network. CSG South and CSG Midwest will kick off their meetings in July, both regions holding their 75th annual meetings in Nashville, Tennessee and Rapid City, South Dakota. CSG East will convene members virtually in Aug. 16–20 and CSG West will hold its 74th annual meeting in Colorado Springs, Colorado Sept. 28–Oct. 1 Learn more: csgovts.info/regionalmeetings.

THEY T WEETED IT Joneigh Khaldun MD MPH FACEP @DrKhaldun • May 5, Excited to join this @ASTHO @CSGovts panel tomorrow!

RETAIN Kentucky @KyRETAIN • May 4, 2021 As #COVID19 continues to keep many from returning to work, learn about how states are increasing access to #vaccinations by providing #transportation on a recent @CSGovts blog: bit.ly/3gSBboI

Nellie Gorbea @NellieGorbea • Jun 14, 2021 Excited to have been selected to be a part of this national convening and be able to share Rhode Island’s efforts to promote healthy civic engagement. #CSGHealthyStates

National Emergency Management Association @NEMA_Web • Apr 29, 2021 Calling all emergency managers – check out @CSGovts Capitol Ideas this month that features emergency management and public health response and showcases professionals during COVID-19.

Representative Mari-Lynn Poskin @Poskin4KS • May 17, 2021 Spending a rainy afternoon deep diving into the anatomy of state budgets. @CSGovts #ksleg #ksbudget

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Lt. Governor Kate Marshall @LGKateMarshall • May 12 Over the next biennium I will be co-chairing the #CSGHealthyStates Fiscal Health Subcommittee. I look forward to working with @CSGovts to explore policies that support resilient state budgets.

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U. S . T r e a s u r y

Learn how to request funds, understand federal restrictions and explore suggestions for how to spend allocated American Rescue Plan funding

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he American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, a $1.9 trillion economic relief package, was signed by the president on March 11. Part of this package includes the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund, which provides approximately $350 billion in new federal fiscal assistance for sub-federal governments, including $195.3 billion for states and the District of Columbia.

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Those funds will be divided among the states and Washington, D.C., with each state assured a minimum of $500 million baseline allocation.

Additional aid for the District of Columbia totaling $754.9 million is allocated to increase its overall funding from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act of 2020 to the state minimum.

Additionally, $169 billion will be distributed based on each state’s share of unemployed workers over the three-month period from October to December 2020.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury issued guidance in early May on the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund that provides further detail on how and when funds will be distributed. Some governments will receive all funding at once, while others will receive two disbursements.

As a note, in the American Rescue Plan Act, funding disbursements are referred to as “tranches.”

To learn more about the disbursement of funds by state and territory, visit the full report available on the web at csgovts.info/treasuryguidance.

How to Request Funds The Treasury is now accepting requests for Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund allocations. Eligible state, local, territorial and tribal governments should request funds through the Treasury Submission Portal available on the Treasury website. Jurisdictions must submit a request even if they have previously applied for other funding through this portal.

Non-entitlement units of local government should not request funds through this portal since they will receive funds from their state government.

Additionally, funding from this recovery fund is subject to the requirements specified in the Interim Final Rule adopted by the Treasury on May 10, 2021. This rule is available at regulations.gov and treasury.gov.

USING CORONAVIRUS STATE AND LOCAL FISCAL RECOVERY FUNDS the treasury’s interim final rule provides guidance to help states determine how funding can be used, what restrictions apply to the funding and examples of allowable uses that states may consider. Some options for using this funding include: • supporting the public health response

– Investment in vaccination efforts, testing and contact tracing – Purchase of personal protective equipment (PPE) – Support for those in quarantine or isolation – Improvement of ventilation systems in key settings (e.g. health care facilities) – Response to increased demand for mental health and substance misuse services

• addressing the negative economic impacts caused by the public health emergency – Direct assistance to unemployed workers – Job training – Premium pay for essential workers – Survivorship benefits for families who lost someone to COVID-19 – Loans and grants to small businesses – Public sector staff rehiring – Unemployment insurance fund replenishment to pre-pandemic levels

• serving the hardest-hit communities and families – Intervention to address community violence – Remediation of lead hazards – Funding community health workers – Support for schools in low-income areas

• replacing lost public sector revenue to avoid cuts to government services • investing in water and sewer infrastructure • investing in broadband infrastructure

Know the Restrictions

First, funds may not be used to finance a net decrease directly or indirectly in tax revenue from March 3, 2021, through the last day of the fiscal year in which all funds have been spent. States and territories must demonstrate how they pay for any tax cuts during this time period from sources other than the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund. Tax cuts paid for by enacting policies to raise other sources of revenue, by cutting spending, or through higher revenue due to economic growth are allowed. If these recovery funds have been used to offset tax cuts, that amount must be paid back to the Treasury. This guidance responds to state requests for further clarification on the tax cut offset provision in the American Rescue Plan Act.

Additional ineligible uses in the Treasury’s Interim Final Rule are funding debt service, legal settlements or judgements and deposits to rainy day funds or financial reserves. Infrastructure spending is limited to water, sewer and broadband investments, and general infrastructure spending is not covered.

In June, the Treasury released a Compliance and Reporting Guidance document that provides additional clarification to states on their required compliance and reporting responsibilities for the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund. This guidance is available at treasury.gov.

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Within the suggested categories for using the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, states have broad flexibility to decide how best to use this funding to meet the needs of their communities. However, there are two major restrictions to be aware of.

Second, funds may not be deposited into a pension fund. While pension deposits are prohibited, recipients may use funds for routine payroll contributions (to pensions) for employees whose wages and salaries are an eligible use of funds.

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State Utilization of Funds As state policymakers weigh options on how to maximize Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, state officials have begun to plan for fund utilization and appropriation. States are in various stages of fund appropriation as additional guidance emerges from the Treasury and state legislatures are still in session or no longer in session. Several states have already developed proposals for fund utilization while others have already passed legislation allocating funds.

American Rescue Plan Act, including approximately $1 billion that the legislature has the flexibility to allocate. In April, Gov. Greg Gianforte signed House Bill 632 which invests approximately $463 million in water and sewer infrastructure, $275 million in broadband, $119 million in capital projects and $150 million in economic and workforce development.

The education and health care sectors in Montana will also receive $420 million and $400 million respectively from the American Rescue Plan Act.

Montana is one state that has allocated Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery funds. Montana received nearly $3 billion from the

To learn more about states’ utilization of American Rescue Plan Act funds, visit the CSG State Recovery website at web.csg.org/recovery.

FUNDING BREAKDOWN OF THE CORONAVIRUS STATE AND LOCAL FISCAL RECOVERY FUND FOR STATES AND DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA (in Millions, USD)

ALABAMA ALASKA ARIZONA ARKANSAS CALIFORNIA COLORADO CONNECTICUT DELAWARE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA FLORIDA GEORGIA HAWAII IDAHO ISSUE 3 2021 | CSG CAPITOL IDEAS

ILLINOIS

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INDIANA IOWA KANSAS KENTUCKY LOUISIANA MAINE MARYLAND

TOTAL FUNDING

FUNDING BASED ON UNEMPLOYMENT

FUNDING FROM EVEN DISTRIBUTION

CRF TOP-UP

PREDICTED NUMBER OF DISBURSEMENTS

$2,120.28 $1,011.79 $4,182.83 $1,573.12 $27,017.02 $3,828.76 $2,812.29 $924.60 $1,802.44 $8,816.58 $4,853.54 $1,641.60 $1,094.02 $8,127.68 $3,071.83 $1,480.86 $1,583.68 $2,183.24 $3,011.14 $997.50 $3,717.21

$1,620.28 $511.79 $3,682.83 $1,073.12 $26,517.02 $3,328.76 $2,312.29 $424.60 $547.58 $8,316.58 $4,353.54 $1,141.60 $594.02 $7,627.68 $2,571.83 $980.86 $1,083.68 $1,683.24 $2,511.14 $497.50 $3,217.21

$500.00 $500.00 $500.00 $500.00 $500.00 $500.00 $500.00 $500.00 $500.00 $500.00 $500.00 $500.00 $500.00 $500.00 $500.00 $500.00 $500.00 $500.00 $500.00 $500.00 $500.00

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- $754.86 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

2 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 1 2 1 2 2 2 1 1 2 2

MASSACHUSETTS MICHIGAN MINNESOTA MISSISSIPPI MISSOURI MONTANA NEBRASKA NEVADA NEW HAMPSHIRE NEW JERSEY NEW MEXICO NEW YORK NORTH CAROLINA NORTH DAKOTA OHIO OKLAHOMA OREGON PENNSYLVANIA RHODE ISLAND SOUTH CAROLINA SOUTH DAKOTA TENNESSEE TEXAS UTAH VERMONT VIRGINIA WASHINGTON WEST VIRGINIA WYOMING TOTAL

FUNDING BASED ON UNEMPLOYMENT

FUNDING FROM EVEN DISTRIBUTION

CRF TOP-UP

PREDICTED NUMBER OF DISBURSEMENTS

$5,286.07 $6,540.42 $2,833.29 $1,806.37 $2,685.30 $906.42 $1,040.16 $2,738.84 $994.56 $6,244.54 $1,751.54 $12,744.98 $5,439.31 $1,007.50 $5,368.39 $1,870.42 $2,648.02 $7,291.33 $1,131.06 $2,499.07 $974.48 $3,725.83 $15,814.39 $1,377.87 $1,049.29 $4,293.73 $4,427.71 $1,355.49 $2,533.16 $1,068.48

$4,786.07 $6,040.42 $2,333.29 $1,306.37 $2,185.30 $406.42 $540.16 $2,238.84 $494.56 $5,744.54 $1,251.54 $12,244.98 $4,939.31 $507.50 $4,868.39 $1,370.42 $2,148.02 $6,791.33 $631.06 $1,999.07 $474.48 $3,225.83 $15,314.39 $877.87 $549.29 $3,793.73 $3,927.71 $855.49 $2,033.16 $568.48

$500.00 $500.00 $500.00 $500.00 $500.00 $500.00 $500.00 $500.00 $500.00 $500.00 $500.00 $500.00 $500.00 $500.00 $500.00 $500.00 $500.00 $500.00 $500.00 $500.00 $500.00 $500.00 $500.00 $500.00 $500.00 $500.00 $500.00 $500.00 $500.00 $500.00

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

1 1 2 1 2 2 2 1 2 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 2 2 2 1 2 2 2 2 1 2 1

$195,300.00

$169,045.14

$25,500.00

$754.86

Source: home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/fiscalrecoveryfunds-statefunding1-CSV.csv

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WISCONSIN

TOTAL FUNDING

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PUTTING AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN FUNDS TO GOOD USE

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CSG Justice Center publishes strategies for states to consider to advance justice-related goals

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by Megan Quattlebaum and Marshall Clement

The American Rescue Plan offers an unprecedented opportunity to invest in more effective and less costly approaches to public health and safety.

Specifically, states and local communities can leverage American Rescue Plan resources to spur long-term, system-wide improvements — including strategies to reduce justice involvement, connect people to community-based services and put people on a pathway to success.

While every jurisdiction has its own unique needs and challenges, American Rescue Plan funding can help create and scale programs that will ultimately make communities safer, healthier and more equitable.

Funding Opportunities to Explore The Council of State Governments Justice Center put together a toolkit of eight justice-related goals that state leaders can support with funding available through the American Rescue Plan.

The full toolkit, including a snapshot of the funding breakdown, key takeaways, local highlights and other resources, is available on the website at csgjusticecenter.org/publications/American-rescue-plan.

Here is a summary of strategies states might consider to advance justice-related goals:

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n March 2021, Congress passed a $1.9 trillion federal stimulus bill aimed at combatting the devastating economic and public health consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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1. Keep people in correctional facilities safe and healthy. Many prisons and jails have struggled to implement public health measures like frequent hand washing and social distancing. The American Rescue Plan provides over $50 billion for states and local communities to implement measures that prevent virus transmission and reduce infection rates.

2. Increase access to education for people in the juvenile and

criminal justice systems. Education and workforce development services are critical to securing meaningful employment and supporting long-term success, particularly for people in the juvenile and criminal justice systems. The American Rescue Plan provides an opportunity for states and local communities to use over $160 billion in education-specific funding to expand the availability and quality of postsecondary and career technical education and increase financial assistance for people in the justice system.

3. Improve public safety and outcomes for youth in the juvenile

justice system. Despite recent declines in juvenile arrests and referrals, many youth who continue to come into contact with the juvenile justice system do not pose a risk to public safety. At the same time, youth who are at the highest risk of re-offending are not often matched with appropriate and effective supervision and services needed to decrease their likelihood of future offending. Through the American Rescue Plan, states and local communities can use over $125 billion in health, education and social service funding streams to strengthen resources that can minimize young peoples’ involvement in the juvenile justice system and reduce recidivism.

4. Support people who have experienced or are at risk of domestic

violence and sexual assault. The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed critical gaps in services and supports for people who have experienced or are at risk of domestic violence and sexual assault. Comprehensive solutions are needed — both within the criminal justice system and local communities — that support the safety and security of survivors. Nearly $11 billion of American Rescue Plan funding provides opportunities for responsive, community-based and culturally specific supports for people who have experienced domestic violence or sexual assault.

5. Expand access to safe and stable housing and supports. For many

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people in the criminal justice system, finding safe and stable housing is a top priority. Yet, limited affordable housing options, coupled with policy barriers and stigmas associated with a criminal record, present significant challenges. Many people in the justice system also have

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2021

significant behavioral health needs that make it difficult for them to secure housing. The American Rescue Plan includes more than $12 billion dedicated to housing and supportive services and additional flexible funding that states and localities can use to help people in the justice system quickly find and maintain affordable housing.

6. Support economic stability and mobility for people with criminal

records. People in the juvenile and criminal justice systems often face barriers that prevent them from accessing quality workforce development and training services that are necessary to find and secure stable employment. The American Rescue Plan provides a unique opportunity with over $21 billion for states and local communities to make deliberate connections to high-growth industries for people with criminal records. These connections help create employment pathways that enable people with criminal records to succeed in the workforce. At the same time, these connections support local economic recovery by ensuring that employers have access to a robust, skilled talent pipeline. Jurisdictions can also use ARP resources to strengthen and expand access to quality career technical education, training programs and other workforce supports that increase employment opportunities for people with records.

7. Help communities build comprehensive health care systems for

people in the justice system. Many people reentering their communities after incarceration face significant behavioral and mental health challenges, yet too often are not connected to needed treatment and health care services. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated persistent and systemic problems of inequitable access to behavioral health care and services, especially for communities of color. Significant funding — more than $59 billion — through the American Rescue Plan can help increase access to health care treatment services for people in the justice system. The critical investment in community-based health supports provides an opportunity to build and enhance services to break the cycle of incarceration and improve long-term health and well-being.

8. Reduce criminal justice involvement for people with behavioral

health needs. Many communities are calling for new approaches to public health and safety. The American Rescue Plan provides more than $2 billion to incentivize states and localities to invest in community crisis systems and other diversion opportunities that can improve access to treatment, ultimately reducing arrests and incarceration for people with behavioral health needs.

Guide to Advancing Justice-Related Goals

The $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan offers an unprecedented opportunity for state and local leaders to invest in public health and safety programs and promote stronger, more equitable communities.

This guide outlines need-to-know information about how state and local leaders can leverage American Rescue Plan funding to advance eight key criminal justice priorities.

Explore the guide: csgjusticecenter.org/publications/American-rescue-plan

TH E ROAD TO R E COVERY How States Are Spending Federal Rescue Dollars

The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, a $1.9 trillion economic relief package, was signed by President Joe Biden March 11. Join The Council of State Governments for a conversation about the funding available to states through the Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund and opportunities to leverage these funds for immediate state economic and fiscal recovery needs and long-term investments in state infrastructure and services. This session will provide an opportunity for state leaders to discuss and learn from each other about the processes they are using to make allocation decisions and how they are utilizing these funds for state recovery.

Register at csgovts.info/capideasregister

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W E D N E S D A Y , A U G U S T 1 1 | 3 – 4 : 3 0 P. M . E T

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l e g i s l at u r e s

m o v e

t o

r e m o t e

A YEAR

p r o c e s s e s

of

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by Mary Elizabeth Lonergan

14

M

arch 2020 was a historic month. As the COVID-19 pandemic spread across the globe, then-President Donald Trump declared a national state of emergency on March 13. Then, like dominoes falling, COVID-19 caused each state to declare a state of emergency and legislatures began closing Capitol buildings, often midway through sessions.

Washington had done some remote legislative work in the past, such as opening legislative hearings to remote testimony, so transitioning to a fully remote work environment was not a complete shock, said Hunt, who serves as chair-elect of The Council of State Governments. As a result, the Washington legislature was able to continue the business of voting online.

Twenty-eight states were in the middle of their legislative session when the federal state of emergency was declared. With very little notice, the state legislatures, many of which had been conducting business in the same way for the past 243 years, had to change course.

“The session really proved that when you are baptized by immersion you learn things,” Hunt said. “There were people who were skeptics and thought we shouldn’t allow people to testify remotely. Specifically, how do you get the people here personally and choose? We found out we had a huge response in hearings. Some of our hearings had a couple thousand people signed up [virtually].”

“The House went 100% remote,” said Washington state Sen. Sam Hunt of his state’s legislature. “In the Senate, we used two platforms. For session hearings we used Zoom, for committee hearings we used Zoom, for caucus meetings we used Microsoft Teams, so we found ourselves toggling between Teams and Zoom.”

a n d

v o t i n g

d u r i n g

c o v i d -1 9

e m e r g e n c y

F I R S T S Maintaining Integrity of Voting

With that in mind, Minnesota partnered with St. Paul’s Spectrum Business Systems to create a new software.

“My concern was the integrity and the ability to verify a member’s vote. What we created initially was a system we believe all members would be comfortable with.

We established a clear chain of evidence.”

“

The session really proved that when you are baptized by immersion you learn things.”

“Every vote we want them to scan their finger,” Murphy said. The software also allows for House members opportunities to debate among one another.

Turning to Technology

Many states turned to their voting and software partners to create reliable solutions that would offer ethical voting practices in a time of remote work. International Roll-Call (IRC) was one provider that was contacted by — Sen. Sam Hunt, Washington many current customers for potential solutions utilizing its current xmLegislatorTM Voting Software solution in combination with its newly created Virtual Voting Console (VVC) System application.

ISSUE 3 2021 | CSG CAPITOL IDEAS

“The most important right you, as a member of the House, have is your vote,” said Patrick Duffy Murphy, chief clerk of the Minnesota House of Representatives.

“We are going to do the best thing we can to protect the integrity and sanctity of your vote in building a remote voting system.”

Murphy’s team, along with Spectrum Business Systems, created fingerprint scanning laptops.

15

“

The most important right you, as a member of the House, have is your vote. We are going to do the best thing we can to protect the integrity and sanctity of your vote in building a remote voting system.”

— Patrick Duffy Murphy, chief clerk of the Minnesota House of Representatives

“Beginning in February 2020, IRC answered the call from the legislatures and provided numerous proposals to interested state and local governments,” said Jeff Finch, director of client relations and legislative process consultant for IRC. “At present, IRC has installed the VVC application in 26 legislative chambers with additional installs pending both at the state and local levels.”

According to Finch, International Roll-Call’s VVC system was uniquely designed with the intention to give seamless remote voting capabilities via a virtual voting interface during times of emergency or disaster.

“The VVC system allows users, with access to the voting system network, to view the summary and bill information, vote status and vote totals; and the ability to cast votes via the VVC user interface screen,” Finch said. “The VVC system has been developed to be responsive across multiple devices and platforms and can be configured to meet specific device needs.”

In North Carolina, legislators were not actively in session when the states began shutting down in March and April 2020, but they had to figure out ways to conduct other business without gathering in-person.

“We continued to work on Zoom calls and to put packages together so that when session opened, we had things ready to be heard,” said North Carolina state Rep. Julia Howard, who serves as CSG national vice chair.

Adjusting to remote work wasn’t without challenges, Howard said.

ISSUE 3 2021 | CSG CAPITOL IDEAS

DID YOU Know?

16

28

states were in the middle of legislative sessions in March 2020 when a federal state of emergency was declared. Many began working remotely immediately.

“Some days it did take 20 to 30 minutes to get the votes in and posted.

Thanks to technology, we had the ability to continue to work, and fortunately — or unfortunately — you are going to see a lot more of it.”

North Carolina had previously never had the option to vote virtually, and Howard said it never had intended to. But following the unexpected circumstances of 2020, she believes state governments will being seeing additional technologies and increased virtual options.

“You will see more of it with people working from their district and voting from their district,” Howard said.

Expect a Continued Reliance on Technology Moving Forward It wasn’t only state governments that experienced drastic changes last year. The technology providers found themselves in higher demand than ever before.

Zoom resources went from being auxiliary work tools to a necessary component as state legislatures and many other organizations moved to remote work.

“We went from 10 million daily users to 300 million daily users in March of 2020,” said Zoom spokesperson Kelsey Knight. “Zoom has been woven into the fabric of the new hybrid workforce, so we will absolutely be a part of

the future. Our goal for 2021 is that Zoom will make virtual communications more human.”

Microsoft Teams also saw uptick in users and activity with the shift from in-person to remote work. The platform has become a way to share information and create a collaborative space while working remotely.

“Since before the pandemic, we have seen the number of state and local government Teams users grow over 300%; and the volume of daily virtual meetings per user has increased dramatically,” a spokesperson for Microsoft said. “Customers are actively talking about ongoing hybrid work planning, and our focus is turning from effective virtual meetings to effective and inclusive hybrid meetings.”

Despite the challenges faced by state legislators as they navigated remote voting and legislative processes, the bodies remained dedicated to serving the constituents of their states. Like many, Hunt, looks forward to welcoming the community back into the Capitol.

“There’s a human nature of the legislature,” Hunt said. “Various groups, who have their legislative days where they come down in mass and meet with their legislators and talk about their issues in person. It is part of the legislature and of government in action and being able to interact with people.

Frankly, playing Hollywood Squares all day [looking at a Zoom screen] gets a bit boring.”

Zoom

went from 10 million daily users to 300 million daily users in March 2020. The company is working in 2021 to make virtual communications more human.

ISSUE 3 2021 | CSG CAPITOL IDEAS

Microsoft

has seen the number of state and local government Teams users increase by 300%. This trend began even in the months before the COVID-19 pandemic.

17

THE STATE LEGISLATORS Explore this in-depth, by-the-numbers look at the 2021 state legislative branch including terms and party affiliations

M

ore than 7,500 citizens are elected to serve in the legislatures of their states and territories each election cycle, and they make up a body of governance that represent the diverse constituencies across the United States. Since 1935, The Council of State Governments has gathered data in its annual “The Book of the States,” the reference tool of choice providing relevant, accurate and timely information, answers and comparisons for all 56 states, commonwealths and territories. Learn more about the 2021 state legislators in this excerpt from the 2021 edition, out in Fall 2021.

Senate State or other jurisdiction Democrats Republicans Other Vacancies State and territory 893 1,079 22 8 totals State totals 852 1,057 6 8 Alabama 8 26 ...

1 Alaska 7 13 ... ...

Arizona 14 16 ... ...

Arkansas 7 28 ... ...

California 31 9 ... ...

Colorado 20 15 ... ..

Connecticut 24 12 ... ...

Delaware 14 7 ... ...

Florida 16 24 ... ...

Georgia 22 34 ... ...

Hawaii 24 1 ... ...

Idaho 7 28 ... ...

Illinois 41 18 ... ...

Indiana 11 39 ... ...

Iowa 18 32 ... ...

Kansas 11 29 ... ...

Kentucky 8 30 ... ...

Louisiana 12 27 ... ...

Maine 22 13 ... ...

Maryland 32 15 ... ...

Massachusetts 37 3 ... ...

Michigan 16 20 ...

2 Minnesota 31 (d) 34 2 (b) ...

Mississippi 16 36 ... ...

Missouri 10 24 ... ...

31 ... ...

Montana 19 Nebraska ---------Nonpartisan election---------...

Nevada 12 9 ... ...

New Hampshire 10 14 ... ...

New Jersey 25 15 ... ...

New Mexico 27 15 ... ...

New York 43 20 ... ...

North Carolina 22 28 ... ...

North Dakota 7 40 ... ...

Ohio 8 25 ... ...

Oklahoma 9 38 ...

1 Oregon 18 11 1 (b) ...

Pennsylvania 20 27 1 (b) 2 Rhode Island 33 5 ... ...

South Carolina 16 30 ... ...

South Dakota 3 32 ... ...

Tennessee 6 27 ... ...

Texas 13 18 ... ...

Utah 6 23 ... ...

Vermont 21 7 2 (r) ...

Virginia 21 18 ...

1 Washington 29 20 ... ...

West Virginia 11 23 ... ...

Wisconsin 12 20 ...

1 Wyoming 2 28 ... ...

Dist. of Columbia (i) 11 0 2 (b) ...

American Samoa ------------Nonpartisan election------------Guam 8 7 ... ...

CNMI** 1 5 3 (b) ...

Puerto Rico 12 (m) 10 (n) 5 (l) ...

U.S. Virgin Islands 9 ...

6 (b) ...

House/Assembly Democrats Republicans Other Vacancies

Total

Term

2,069*

...

2,484

1,972* 35 20 30 35 40 35 36 21 40 56 25 35 59 50 50 40 38 39 35 47 40 38 67 52 34 50 49 21 24 40 42 63 50 47 33 48 30 50 38 46 35 33 31 29 30 40 49 34 33 (h) 30 13 18 (j) 15 9 27 (o) 15

...

4 4 2 4 4 4 2 4 (g) 4 2 4 2 (a) 4 4 4 4 4 2 4 2 4 (p) 4 4 4 4 4 4 2 4 (f) 4 2 2 4 4 4 4 4 2 4 2 4 4 4 2 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 2 4 4 2

2,450 28 15 29 22 58 41 96 26 42 77 47 12 72 29 41 39 25 35 80 99 128 52 70 (d) 46 48 33

2,946

37

15

Total

Term

Senate and House/ Assembly totals

5,503

...

7,572*

...

4 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 4 2 4 2 2 (p) 2 4 2 2

7,383* 140 60 90 135 120 100 187 62 160 236 76 105 177 150 150 165 138 144 186 188 200 148 201 174 197 150 49 63 424 120 112 213 170 141 132 149 90 253 113 170 105 132 181 104 180 140 147 134 132 90 13 39 15 29 78 15

2,917 30 14 5,411 75 ...

2 105 21 4 (k) ...

40 (k) 31 ... ...

60 78 ... ...

100 19 1 (b) 2 80 24 ... ...

65 54 ...

1 151 15 ... ...

41 78 ... ...

120 103 ... ...

180 4 ... ...

51 58 ... ...

70 45 ...

1 118 71 ... ...

100 59 ... ...

100 86 ... ...

125 75 ... ...

100 67 2 (b) 1 105 66 5 (c) ...

151 42 ... ...

141 30 1 (q) 1 160 58 ... ...

110 64 ... ...

134 75 1 (b) ...

122 114 ...

1 163 67 ... ...

100 --------------------------Unicameral-------------------------26 16 ... ...

42 186 212 ...

2 400 52 28 ... ...

80 45 24 1 (b) ...

70 106 43 1 (e) ...

150 51 69 ... ...

120 14 80 ... ...

94 35 64 ... ...

99 19 82 ... ...

101 37 23 ... ...

60 90 111 ...

2 203 65 10 ... ...

75 43 81 ... ...

124 8 62 ... ...

70 26 73 ... ...

99 68 82 ... ...

150 17 58 ... ...

75 92 46 12 (r) ...

150 55 45 ... ...

100 57 41 ... ...

98 23 77 ... ...

100 38 60 ...

1 99 (h) 7 51 2 (s) ...

60 ----------------------------Unicameral-------------------------------------Nonpartisan election------------21 (j) ----------------------------Unicameral-------------------------8 9 3 (b) ...

20 26 (m) 20 (n) 4 (l) 1 51 (o) ----------------------------Unicameral-------------------------

2 2 2 2 2 2 4 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 4

Legislative Partisan Control

Democrat (21, D.C. included) Republican (31) Split (1) Nonpartisan (2) Popular Democratic Party (1)

NEBRASKA IS THE ONLY STATE to have both a nonpartisan and unicameral legislature. It is also the smallest at 49 members.

Legislatures with highest percentage of Democrats HI 93.4%

RI 86.7%

MA 82.5%

NY 69.9%

ID 81.9%

OK 80.5%

Legislatures with highest percentage of Republicans SD 89.5%

WY 87.7%

ND 85.1%

Source: The Council of State Governments, April 2021

ISSUE 3 2021 | CSG CAPITOL IDEAS

CA 74.1%

19

ISSUE 3 2021 | CSG CAPITOL IDEAS

Legislative Leadership 20

F

rom setting legislative priorities to managing floor processes and staff, legislative leaders play an outsized role in statehouses across the U.S. They are mentors, managers, gatekeepers and strategists. Most importantly, they are public servants, shouldering extra responsibility to serve their constituents.

In this issue of CSG Capitol Ideas, we recognize and celebrate the achievements of members who serve as legislative leaders. In addition to our resources for members from all three branches, we offer special opportunities for those in legislative leadership roles.

On Oct. 18-20, the CSG Forecast for Legislative Leaders will convene legislative chamber leaders in a trusted, non-partisan environment of peers to discuss emerging public policy issues facing the states, fiscal forecasts and how to best lead and govern during this time of transition and transformation brought forth by the COVID-19 pandemic. Leaders will learn from their peers, share their own perspectives and engage with experts and thought leaders.

For more information on this invitation-only opportunity, visit: web.csg.org/forum/csg-forecast-for-legislative-leaders.

ALABAMA

ALASKA

legislature.state.al.us

akleg.gov

senate

house

22.9% 74.3%

25.7% 72.4%

democrat

republican

democrat

republican

senate

house

35% 65%

37.5% 52.5%

democrat

republican

democrat

republican

Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth (R) senate president

Mac McCutcheon (R) speaker of the house

Peter Micciche (R) senate president

Louise Stutes (R) speaker of the house

Greg Reed (R) senate president pro tempore

Victor Gaston (R) house speaker pro tempore

Shelley Hughes (R) senate majority leader

Josiah Patkotak (NA) house speaker pro tempore

Clay Scofield (R) senate majority leader

Nathaniel Ledbetter (R) house majority leader

Tom Begich (D) senate minority leader

Chris Tuck (D) house majority leader

Bobby Singleton (D) senate minority leader

Anthony Daniels (D) house minority leader

info@ltgov.alabama.gov

greg.reed@alsenate.gov

clay.scofield@alsenate.gov

bsingle362@gmail.com

mac.mccutcheon@alhouse.gov

victor.gaston@alhouse.gov

nathaniel.ledbetter@alhouse.gov

Senator.Peter.Micciche@akleg.gov

Senator.Shelley.Hughes@akleg.gov

Senator.Tom.Begich@akleg.gov

Representative.Louise.Stutes@akleg.gov

representative.josiah.patkotak@akleg.gov

Representative.Chris.Tuck@akleg.gov

Cathy Tilton (R) house minority leader Representative.Cathy.Tilton@akleg.gov

anthony.daniels@alhouse.gov

Landlocked by mountains and sea, ALASKA’S residents can only access their state capital by plane or by the Alaska Marine Highway System.

This makes Juneau, the capital of the largest U.S. state, a defacto island city in terms of transportation.

Seven women serve as speakers of state houses including Louise Stutes in ALASKA.

ARIZONA

ARKANSAS

azleg.gov

arkleg.state.ar.us

senate

23.3% 53.3% democrat

republican

house

48.3% 51.7% democrat

republican

senate

20% 77.1%

democrat

republican

house

22% 78%

democrat

republican

Karen Fann (R) senate president

Russell Bowers (R) speaker of the house

Lt. Gov. Tim Griffin (R) senate president

Matthew Shepherd (R) speaker of the house

Vince Leach (R) senate president pro tempore

Travis Grantham (R) house speaker pro tempore

Jimmy Hickey Jr. (R) senate president pro tempore

Jon Eubanks (R) house speaker pro tempore

Rick Gray (R) senate majority leader

Ben Toma (R) house majority leader

Scott Flippo (R) senate majority leader

Austin McCollum (R) house majority leader

Rebecca Rios (D) senate minority leader

Reginald Bolding Jr. (D) house minority leader

Keith Ingram (D) senate minority leader

Tippi McCullough (D) house minority leader

kfann@azleg.gov

rgray@azleg.gov

rrios@azleg.gov

tgrantham@azleg.gov

btoma@azleg.gov

rbolding@azleg.gov

ltgovernor.arkansas.gov

jimmy.hickey@senate.ar.gov

scott.flippo@senate.ar.gov

friendsforkeith@gmail.com

matthew.shepherd@arkansashouse.org

jon.eubanks@arkansashouse.org

austin.mccollum@arkansashouse.org

tippi.mccullough@arkansashouse.org

ISSUE 3 2021 | CSG CAPITOL IDEAS

vleach@azleg.gov

rbowers@azleg.gov

21

Fifteen women serve as presidents of senates or presidents pro tempore including Toni Atkins in CALIFORNIA and Kerry Donovan in COLORADO. The first three women elected to state legislature in the U.S. were Clara Cressingham, Carrie C. Holly and Frances Klock, all in the COLORADO House of Representatives.

CALIFORNIA

COLORADO

legislature.ca.gov

colorado.gov

senate

house

77.5% 22.5%

73.8% 23.8%

democrat

republican

democrat

republican

republican

63% 36.9%

democrat

republican

Anthony Rendon (D) speaker of the assembly

Alec Garnett (D) speaker of the house

ltg.ca.gov/contact

Assemblymember.Rendon@assembly.ca.gov

Leroy Garcia (D) senate president

Toni Atkins (D) senate president pro tempore

Kevin Mullin (D) assembly speaker pro tempore

Adrienne Benavidez (D) speaker pro tempore

Senator.Atkins@senate.ca.gov

Assemblymember.Mullin@assembly.ca.gov

Kerry Donovan (D) senate president pro tempore

Robert Hertzberg (D) senate majority leader

Eloise Gomez Reyes (D) assembly majority leader

Daneya Esgar (D) house majority leader

Senator.Hertzberg@senate.ca.gov

Assemblymember.Reyes@assembly.ca.gov

Stephen Fenberg (D) senate majority leader

Scott Wilk (R) senate minority leader

Marie Waldron (R) assembly minority leader

Chris Holbert (R) senate minority leader

Hugh McKean (R) house minority leader

Assemblymember.Waldron@assembly.ca.gov

CONNECTICUT

leroy.garcia.senate@state.co.us

kerry.donovan.senate@state.co.us

stephen.fenberg.senate@state.co.us

chris.holbert.senate@state.co.us

alec.garnett.house@state.co.us

adrienne.benavidez.house@state.co.us

daneya.esgar.house@state.co.us

hugh.mckean.house@state.co.us

DELAWARE

cga.ct.gov

legis.delaware.gov

senate

house

senate

house

63.9% 33.3%

64.2% 37.8%

66.6% 33.3%

63.4% 36.6%

democrat

ISSUE 3 2021 | CSG CAPITOL IDEAS

57% 43.9%

democrat

house

Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis (D) senate president

Senator.Wilk@senate.ca.gov

22

senate

republican

Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz (D) senate president portal.ct.gov/Office-of-the-Lt-Governor/ Contact

Martin Looney (D) senate president pro tempore Looney@senatedems.ct.gov

Bob Duff (D) senate majority leader Bob.Duff@cga.ct.gov

Kevin Kelly (R) senate minority leader Kevin.Kelly@cga.ct.gov

democrat

republican

Matt Ritter (D) speaker of the house Matthew.Ritter@cga.ct.gov

Bob Godfrey (D) deputy speaker pro tempore Bob.Godfrey@cga.ct.gov

Jason Rojas (D) house majority leader Jason.Rojas@cga.ct.gov

Vincent Candelora (R) house minority leader

Vincent.Candelora@housegop.ct.gov

democrat

republican

democrat

republican

Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long (D) senate president

Peter Schwartzkopf (D) speaker of the house

David Sokola (D) senate president pro tempore

Valerie Longhurst (D) house majority leader

Bryan Townsend (D) senate majority leader

Daniel Short (R) house minority leader

ltgov@state.de.us

David.Sokola@delaware.gov

Bryan.Townsend@delaware.gov

Gerald Hocker (R) senate minority leader Gerald.Hocker@delaware.gov

Peter.Schwartzkopf@delaware.gov

Valerie.Longhurst@delaware.gov

Daniel.Short@delaware.gov

FLORIDA

GEORGIA

leg.state.fl.us senate

40% 60%

democrat

republican

legis.ga.gov house

senate

house

35% 65%

39.3% 60.7%

42.8% 56.1%

democrat

republican

democrat

republican

democrat

republican

Wilton Simpson (R) senate president

Chris Sprowls (R) speaker of the house

Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan (R) senate president

David Ralston (R) speaker of the house

Aaron Bean (R) senate president pro tempore

Bryan Avila (R) house speaker pro tempore

Butch Miller (R) senate president pro tempore

Jan Jones (R) house speaker pro tempore

Debbie Mayfield (R) senate majority leader

Michael Grant (R) House Majority Leader

Mike Dugan (R) senate majority leader

Jon Burns (R) house majority leader

Lauren Book (D) senate minority leader

Bobby DuBose (D) house minority leader

Gloria Butler (D) senate minority leader

James Beverly (D) house minority leader

simpson.wilton.web@flsenate.gov

bean.aaron.web@flsenate.gov

mayfield.debbie.web@flsenate.gov

book.lauren.web@flsenate.gov

chris.sprowls@myfloridahouse.gov

bryan.avila@myfloridahouse.gov

michael.grant@myfloridahouse.gov

bobby.dubose@myfloridahouse.gov

HAWAII 96% 4%

democrat

republican

butch.miller@senate.ga.gov

mike.dugan@senate.ga.gov

gloria.butler@senate.ga.gov

david.ralston@house.ga.gov

jan.jones@house.ga.gov

jon.burns@house.ga.gov

james.beverly@house.ga.gov

IDAHO

capitol.hawaii.gov senate

ltgov.georgia.gov/contact-lt-governor

legislature.idaho.gov house

90.2% 7.8% democrat

republican

senate

20% 80%

democrat

republican

house

17.1% 82.9%

democrat

republican

Ronald Kouchi (D) senate president

Scott Saiki (D) speaker of the house

Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin (R) senate president

Scott Bedke (R) speaker of the house

Michelle Kidani (D) senate vice president

John Mizuno (D) house vice speaker

Chuck Winder (R) senate president pro tempore

Mike Moyle (R) house majority leader

Dru Kanuha (D) senate majority leader

Della Au Belatti (D) house majority leader

Kelly Arthur Anthon (R) senate majority leader

Ilana Rubel (D) house minority leader

Kurt Fevella (R) senate minority leader/floor leader

Val Okimoto (R) house minority leader

Michelle Stennett (D) senate minority leader

senkouchi@capitol.hawaii.gov

senkidani@capitol.hawaii.gov

senkanuha@capitol.hawaii.gov

senfevella@capitol.hawaii.gov

repsaiki@capitol.hawaii.gov

repmizuno@capitol.hawaii.gov

repbelatti@capitol.hawaii.gov

repokimoto@capitol.hawaii.gov

lgo.idaho.gov/contact-us

cwinder@senate.idaho.gov

kanthon@senate.idaho.gov

sbedke@house.idaho.gov

mmoyle@house.idaho.gov

irubel@house.idaho.gov

mstennett@senate.idaho.gov

2021 marked IDAHO’S longest legislative session on record at 122 days.

ISSUE 3 2021 | CSG CAPITOL IDEAS

Today, just two of the 50 states are led by a governor who identifies as non-white. HAWAII Gov. Dave Ige is Okinawan-American and NEW MEXICO Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham is Latina.

23

ILLINOIS

INDIANA

ilga.gov

iga.in.gov

senate

house

69.5% 30.5%

61.9% 38.1%

democrat

republican

democrat

republican

senate

22% 78%

democrat

republican

house

29% 71%

democrat

republican

Don Harmon (D) senate president

Emanuel “Chris” Welch (D) speaker of the house

Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch (R) senate president

Todd Huston (R) speaker of the house

Bill Cunningham (D) senate president pro tempore

Jehan Gordon-Booth (D) house speaker pro tempore

Rodric Bray (R) senate president pro tempore

Mike Karickhoff (R) house speaker pro tempore

Kimberly Lightford (D) senate majority leader

Greg Harris (D) house majority leader

Mark Messmer (R) senate majority floor leader

Matt Lehman (R) house majority floor leader

Dan McConchie (R) senate minority leader

Jim Durkin (R) house minority leader

Greg Taylor (D) senate minority leader

dharmon@senatedem.ilga.gov

bill@billcunningham.com

klightford@senatedem.ilga.gov

dan@senatormcconchie.com

repwelch@emanuelchriswelch.com

repjgordon@gmail.com

greg@gregharris.org

Durkin@ILHouseGOP.org

in.gov/lg/ask-suzanne/constituent-concerns

senator.bray@iga.in.gov

senator.messmer@iga.in.gov

s33@iga.in.gov

h37@in.gov

mike.karickhoff@iga.in.gov

indianahouserepublicans.com/members/ leadership/matt-lehman

Phil GiaQuinta (D) house minority leader h80@iga.in.gov

ILLINOIS’ first capital is now under water. Kaskaskia was established as the ILLINOIS seat in 1818, but it moved to Vandalia two years later.

The original location of Kaskaskia was ultimately washed out by the shifting Mississippi River. The present-day capital of Springfield was established as such in 1839.

IOWA

KANSAS

legis.iowa.gov senate

36% 64%

ISSUE 3 2021 | CSG CAPITOL IDEAS

democrat

24

republican

kslegislature.org house

senate

41% 59%

27.5% 72.5%

democrat

republican

democrat

republican

house

31% 69%

democrat

republican

Jake Chapman (R) senate president

Pat Grassley (R) speaker of the house

Ty Masterson (R) Senate President

Ron Ryckman Jr. (R) Speaker of the House

Brad Zaun (R) senate president pro tempore

John Wills (R) house speaker pro tempore

Rick Wilborn (R) Senate Vice President

Blaine Finch (R) House Speaker Pro Tempore

Jack Whitver (R) senate majority leader

Matt Windschitl (R) house majority leader

Larry Alley (R) Senate Majority Leader

Daniel Hawkins (R) House Majority Leader

Zach Wahls (D) senate minority leader

Jennifer Konfrst (D) house minority leader

Dinah Sykes (D) Senate Minority Leader

Tom Sawyer (D) House Minority Leader

jake.chapman@legis.iowa.gov

brad.zaun@legis.iowa.gov

jack.whitver@legis.iowa.gov

zach.wahls@legis.iowa.gov

pat.grassley@legis.iowa.gov

john.wills@legis.iowa.gov

matt.windschitl@legis.iowa.gov

jennifer.konfrst@legis.iowa.gov

ty.masterson@senate.ks.gov

richard.wilborn@senate.ks.gov

larry.alley@senate.ks.gov

dinah.sykes@senate.ks.gov

ron.ryckman@house.ks.gov

blaine.finch@house.ks.gov

dan.hawkins@house.ks.gov

tom.sawyer@house.ks.gov

KENTUCKY

LOUISIANA

legislature.ky.gov senate

21% 78.9%

democrat

republican

legis.la.gov house

senate

house

25% 75%

28.2% 69.2%

33.3% 64.8%

democrat

republican

democrat

republican

democrat

republican

Robert Stivers (R) senate president

David Osborne (R) speaker of the house

Page Cortez (R) senate president

Clay Schexnayder (R) speaker of the house

David Givens (R) senate president pro tempore

David Meade (R) house speaker pro tempore

Beth Mizell (R) senate president pro tempore

Tanner Magee (R) house speaker pro tempore

Damon Thayer (R) senate majority floor leader

Steven Rudy (R) house majority floor leader

Morgan McGarvey (D) senate minority floor leader

Joni Jenkins (D) house minority floor leader

robert.stivers@lrc.ky.gov

david.givens@lrc.ky.gov

Damon.Thayer@lrc.ky.gov

morgan.mcgarvey@lrc.ky.gov

David.Osborne@lrc.ky.gov

david.meade@lrc.ky.gov

cortezp@legis.la.gov

schexnayderc@legis.la.gov

mizellb@legis.la.gov

mageet@legis.la.gov

Steven.Rudy@lrc.ky.gov

Joni.Jenkins@lrc.ky.gov

INDIANA is one of 38 states with a state government trifecta, which means the office of the governor, the House majority and the Senate majority are all controlled by the same party.

The MAINE House of Representatives includes three non-voting members representing the Penobscot Nation, the Passamaquoddy Tribe and the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians.

Standing at 450-feet tall, the Capitol building in Baton Rouge, LOUISIANA, is the tallest state Capitol in the U.S.

MAINE

MARYLAND

legislature.maine.gov senate

40% 37.1%

democrat

republican

mgaleg.maryland.gov house

53% 43.7%

democrat

republican

senate

68% 31.9%

democrat

republican

house

70.2% 29.8% democrat

republican

Ryan Fecteau (D) speaker of the house

Bill Ferguson (D) senate president

Adrienne Jones (D) speaker of the house

Eloise Vitelli (D) senate majority leader

Michelle Dunphy (D) house majority leader

Melony Griffith (D) senate president pro tempore

Sheree Sample-Hughes (D) house speaker pro tempore

Jeffrey Timberlake (R) senate minority leader

Kathleen Dillingham (R) house minority leader

Nancy King (D) senate majority leader

Eric Luedtke (D) house majority leader

Bryan Simonaire (R) senate minority leader

Jason Buckel (R) house minority leader

Troy.Jackson@legislature.maine.gov

Eloise.Vitelli@legislature.maine.gov

Jeffrey.Timberlake@legislature.maine.gov

Ryan.Fecteau@legislature.maine.gov

Michelle.Dunphy@legislature.maine.gov

Kathleen.Dillingham@legislature.maine.gov

bill.ferguson@senate.state.md.us

melony.griffith@senate.state.md.us

nancy.king@senate.state.md.us

bryan.simonaire@senate.state.md.us

adrienne.jones@house.state.md.us

Sheree.Sample.Hughes@house.state.md.us

eric.luedtke@house.state.md.us

Jason.Buckel@house.state.md.us

ISSUE 3 2021 | CSG CAPITOL IDEAS

Troy Jackson (D) senate president

25

MASSACHUSETTS

malegislature.gov senate

92.5% 7.5% democrat

republican

house

80.6% 18.8% democrat

republican

Karen Spilka (D) senate president

Ronald Mariano (D) speaker of the house

William Brownsberger (D) senate president pro tempore

Kate Hogan (D) house speaker pro tempore

Karen.Spilka@masenate.gov

William.Brownsberger@masenate.gov

Ronald.Mariano@mahouse.gov

Kate.Hogan@mahouse.gov

MICHIGAN

legislature.mi.gov senate

house

42.1% 52.6%

47.3% 52.7%

democrat

republican

Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist (D) senate president somgovweb.state.mi.us/GovRelations/ ContactGovernor

Aric Nesbitt (R) senate president pro tempore

democrat

republican

Jason Wentworth (R) speaker of the house jasonwentworth@house.mi.gov

Pam Hornberger (R) house speaker pro tempore pamelahornberger@house.mi.gov

senanesbitt@senate.michigan.gov

Cynthia Stone Creem (D) senate majority leader Cynthia.Creem@masenate.gov

Claire Cronin (D) house majority leader Claire.Cronin@mahouse.gov

Mike Shirkey (R) senate majority leader

Ben Frederick (R) house majority floor leader benfrederick@house.mi.gov

senmshirkey@senate.michigan.gov

Bruce Tarr (R) senate minority leader Bruce.Tarr@masenate.gov

Bradley Jones Jr. (R) house minority leader Bradley.Jones@mahouse.gov

Jim Ananich (D) senate minority leader

Donna Lasinski (D) house minority leader donnalasinski@house.mi.gov

SenJAnanich@senate.michigan.gov

MINNESOTA

MISSISSIPPI

leg.mn.gov

senate

house

senate

46.2% 50.7%

52.2% 47.8%

30.8% 69.2%

democrat

republican

republican

democrat

republican

36% 62.3%

democrat

republican

Melissa Hortman (DFL) speaker of the house

Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann (R) senate president

Philip Gunn (R) speaker of the house

David Tomassoni (I) senate president pro tempore

Liz Olson (DFL) house speaker pro tempore

Dean Kirby (R) senate president pro tempore

Jason White (R) house speaker pro tempore

Paul Gazelka (R) senate majority leader

Ryan Winkler (DFL) house majority leader

Derrick Simmons (D) senate minority leader

Robert Johnson, III (D) house minority leader

Susan Kent (DFL) senate minority leader

Kurt Daudt (R) house minority leader

sen.david.tomassoni@senate.mn

sen.paul.gazelka@senate.mn

sen.susan.kent@senate.mn

ISSUE 3 2021 | CSG CAPITOL IDEAS

democrat

house

Jeremy Miller (R) senate president

sen.jeremy.miller@senate.mn

26

legislature.ms.gov

rep.melissa.hortman@house.mn

rep.liz.olson@house.mn

rep.ryan.winkler@house.mn

ltgov@senate.ms.gov

dkirby@senate.ms.gov

dsimmons@senate.ms.gov

pgunn@house.ms.gov

jwhite@house.ms.gov

rjohnson@house.ms.gov

rep.kurt.daudt@house.mn

In 1974, Elaine Noble became the first openly LGBTQ candidate elected to a state legislature. She served in the MASSACHUSETTS House of Representatives for two terms.

All 110 seats in the MICHIGAN House of Representatives were up for election in 2020. The chamber’s Republican majority remained 58-52.

Three members of the MONTANA House of Representatives are under the age of 25.

In 2021, 8% of legislators in the state are American Indian.

In 2021, 2,288 (31%) of the 7,383 state legislators in the U.S. are women. Women currently hold 561 (28.4%) of the 1,972 state Senate seats and 1,727 (31.9%) of the 5,411 state House or Assembly seats. NEVADA leads the country with 60.3% of its legislature female.

MISSOURI

mo.gov/government/legislative-branch senate

house

29.4% 70.6% democrat

30% 69.3%

republican

democrat

republican

MONTANA

leg.mt.gov

senate

38% 62%

democrat

republican

house

33% 66%

democrat

republican

Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe (R) senate president

Rob Vescovo (R) speaker of the house

Mark Blasdel (R) senate president

Wylie Galt (R) speaker of the house

Dave Schatz (R) senate president pro tempore

John Wiemann (R) house speaker pro tempore

Jason Ellsworth (R) senate president pro tempore

Casey Knudsen (R) house speaker pro tempore

Caleb Rowden (R) senate majority floor leader

Dean Plocher (R) house majority floor leader

Cary Smith (R) senate majority leader

Sue Vinton (R) house majority leader

John Rizzo (D) senate minority floor leader

Crystal Quade (D) house minority leader

Jill Cohenour (D) senate minority leader

Kim Abbott (D) house minority leader

ltgovinfo@ltgov.mo.gov

Dave.Schatz@senate.mo.gov

Caleb.Rowden@senate.mo.gov

John.Rizzo@senate.mo.gov

Rob.Vescovo@house.mo.gov

John.Wiemann@house.mo.gov

Dean.Plocher@house.mo.gov

crystal.quade@house.mo.gov

NEBRASKA

nebraskalegislature.gov senate

34.7% 65.3% democrat

republican

Mark.Blasdel@mtleg.gov

wyliegaltformt@gmail.com

Jason.Ellsworth@mtleg.gov

Cary.Smith@mtleg.gov

Jill.Cohenour@mtleg.gov

Casey.Knudsen@mtleg.gov

Sue.Vinton@mtleg.gov

Kim.Abbott@mtleg.gov

NEVADA

leg.state.nv.us senate

57% 42.9%

democrat

republican

house

61.9% 38% democrat

republican

Lt. Gov. Kate Marshall (D) senate president

Jason Frierson (D) speaker of the assembly

Mike Hilgers (NP) speaker of the legislature

Mo Denis (D) senate president pro tempore

Steve Yeager (D) assembly speaker pro tempore

mike.foley@nebraska.gov

mhilgers@leg.ne.gov

Dan Hughes (NP) chair of the executive board dhughes@leg.ne.gov

kmarshall@ltgov.nv.gov

Moises.Denis@sen.state.nv.us

Nicole Cannizzaro (D) senate majority leader

Jason.Frierson@asm.state.nv.us

Steve.Yeager@asm.state.nv.us

Teresa Benitez-Thompson (D) assembly majority floor leader Teresa.BenitezThompson@asm.state.nv.us

Nicole.Cannizzaro@sen.state.nv.us

James Settelmeyer (R) senate minority leader

James.Settelmeyer@sen.state.nv.us

Robin Titus (R) assembly minority floor leader Robin.Titus@asm.state.nv.us

ISSUE 3 2021 | CSG CAPITOL IDEAS

Lt. Gov. Mike Foley (R) president of the legislature

27

NEW HAMPSHIRE

gencourt.state.nh.us senate

41.6% 58.3% democrat

republican

house

46.5% 53% democrat

republican

NEW JERSEY

njleg.state.nj.us

house

senate

65% 35%

62.5% 37.5% democrat

democrat

republican

republican

Chuck Morse (R) senate president

Sherman Packard (R) speaker of the house

Stephen Sweeney (D) senate president

Craig Coughlin (D) speaker of the assembly

Sharon Carson (R) senate president pro tempore

Kimberly Rice (R) house speaker pro tempore

M. Teresa Ruiz (D) senate president pro tempore

Gordon Johnson (D) assembly speaker pro tempore

Jeb Bradley (R) senate majority leader

Jason Osborne (R) house majority leader

loretta weinberg (d) senate majority leader

Louis Greenwald (D) assembly majority leader

Donna Soucy (D) senate minority leader

Renny Cushing (D) house minority leader

Thomas Kean Jr. (R) senate minority leader

Jon Bramnick (R) assembly minority leader

chuck.morse@leg.state.nh.us

sharon.carson@leg.state.nh.us

jeb.bradley@leg.state.nh.us

donna.soucy@leg.state.nh.us

sherman.packard@leg.state.nh.us

kimberly.rice@leg.state.nh.us

Jason@Osborne4NH.com

renny.cushing@leg.state.nh.us

SenSweeney@njleg.org

SenRuiz@njleg.org

SenWeinberg@njleg.org

SenKean@njleg.org

AsmCoughlin@njleg.org

AsmJohnson@njleg.org

AsmGreenwald@njleg.org

AsmBramnick@njleg.org

NEW MEXICO has the oldest as well at the newest state Capitol buildings in the U.S. The oldest is the Palace of the Governors in Santa Fe, built in 1610. The newest is the current Capitol, which was dedicated in 1966.

NEW MEXICO has the highest percentage of state government Latinx membership at 35%. Latinx membership in state legislatures remains at an average of 6%.

NEW MEXICO

NEW YORK

nyassembly.gov | nysenate.gov

nmlegis.gov senate

house

senate

house

64.3% 35.7%

64.3% 34.3%

68.3% 31.7%

70.7% 28.7%

ISSUE 3 2021 | CSG CAPITOL IDEAS

democrat

28

republican

democrat

republican

democrat

republican

democrat

republican

Lt. Gov. Howie Morales (D) senate president

Brian Egolf (D) speaker of the house

Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) senate president

Carl Heastie (D) speaker of the assembly

Mimi Stewart (D) senate president pro tempore

Sheryl Williams Stapleton (D) house majority floor leader

Andrea Stewart-Cousins (D) senate president pro tempore and majority leader

Jeffrion Aubry (D) assembly speaker pro tempore

ltgov.state.nm.us/contact-form-lt-gov

mimi.stewart@nmlegis.gov

brian.egolf@nmlegis.gov

sheryl.stapleton@nmlegis.gov

governor.ny.gov/content/governor-contact-form

speaker@nyassembly.gov

AubryJ@nyassembly.gov

scousins@nysenate.gov

Peter Wirth (D) senate majority floor leader peter.wirth@nmlegis.gov

James Townsend (R) house minority floor leader townsend@pvtn.net

Robert Ortt (R) senate minority leader

Crystal Peoples-Stokes (D) assembly majority leader PeopleC@assembly.state.ny.us

Ortt@nysenate.gov

Gregory Baca (R) senate minority floor leader greg.baca@nmlegis.gov

William Barclay (R) assembly minority leader barclaw@nyassembly.gov

NORTH CAROLINA

ncleg.gov

NORTH DAKOTA

legis.nd.gov

senate

house

senate

house

44% 56%

42.5% 57.5%

14.9% 85.1%

14.9% 85.1%

democrat

republican

democrat

republican

democrat

republican

democrat

republican

Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson (R) senate president

Tim Moore (R) speaker of the house

Lt. Gov. Brent Sanford (R) senate president

Kim Koppelman (R) speaker of the house

Phil Berger (R) senate president pro tempore

Sarah Stevens (R) house speaker pro tempore

Larry Luick (R) interim senate president

Chet Pollert (R) house majority leader

Kathy Harrington (R) senate majority leader

John Bell IV (R) house majority leader

https://ltgov.nc.gov/contact-0

Phil.Berger@ncleg.gov

Kathy.Harrington@ncleg.gov

Dan Blue (D) senate minority leader Dan.Blue@ncleg.gov

Tim.Moore@ncleg.gov

Sarah.Stevens@ncleg.gov

John.Bell@ncleg.gov

governor.nd.gov/contact

pro tempore lluick@nd.gov

Rich Wardner (R) senate majority leader rwardner@nd.gov

Robert Reives II (D) house minority leader Robert.Reives@ncleg.gov

kkoppelman@nd.gov

cpollert@nd.gov

Josh Boschee (D) house minority leader jboschee@nd.gov

Joan Heckaman (D) senate minority leader jheckaman@nd.gov

Bismarck, NORTH DAKOTA, has the lowest average winter temperature of all state capitals (including Juneau, ALASKA).

A.C. Hamlin was the first African American elected to the OKLAHOMA Legislature in 1908.

He lost his bid for re-election as a result of a constitutional amendment that prevented many Black Oklahomans from voting. Today, eight OKLAHOMA legislators are Black.

OHIO

OKLAHOMA

legislature.ohio.gov

oklegislature.gov

senate

house

senate

24.2% 75.8%

33.4% 64.4%

18.8% 81.3%

democrat

republican

democrat

republican

democrat

republican

house

18.8% 81% democrat

republican

Robert Cupp (R) speaker of the house

Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell (R) senate president

Charles McCall (R) speaker of the house

Jay Hottinger (R) senate president pro tempore

Tim Ginter (R) house speaker pro tempore

Greg Treat (R) senate president pro tempore

Terry O’Donnell (R) house speaker pro tempore

Kirk Schuring (R) senate majority floor leader

Bill Seitz (R) house majority floor leader

Kim David (R) senate majority floor leader

Jon Echols (R) house majority floor leader

Kenny Yuko (D) senate minority leader

Emilia Sykes (D) house minority leader

Kay Floyd (D) senate minority leader

Emily Virgin (D) house minority leader

mhuffman@ohiosenate.gov

hottinger@ohiosenate.gov

schuring@ohiosenate.gov

yuko@ohiosenate.gov

bob.cupp@ohiohouse.gov

rep05@ohiohouse.gov

rep30@ohiohouse.gov

emilia.sykes@ohiohouse.gov

ok.gov/ltgovpinnell/Contact/index.html

greg.treat@oksenate.gov

kim.david@oksenate.gov

kay.floyd@oksenate.gov

charles.mccall@okhouse.gov

terry.odonnell@okhouse.gov

jon.echols@okhouse.gov

emily.virgin@okhouse.gov

ISSUE 3 2021 | CSG CAPITOL IDEAS

Matt Huffman (R) senate president

29

Prior to the current State House being built between 1895 and 1904, RHODE ISLAND had five State Houses located in Providence, Newport, Bristol, East Greenwich and South Kingstown.

Due to some disagreements on where the capital should be located, OREGON was governed without a capitol building from 1855 to 1876.

OREGON

PENNSYLVANIA

oregonlegislature.gov senate

60% 36.6%

democrat

republican

legis.state.pa.us house

61.6% 36.7% democrat

republican

42% 56%

43.8% 55.7%

democrat

republican

democrat

republican

Tina Kotek (D) speaker of the house

Lt. Gov. John Fetterman (D) senate president

Bryan Cutler (R) speaker of the house

James Manning Jr. (D) senate president pro tempore

Paul Holvey (D) house speaker pro tempore

Jake Corman (R) senate president pro tempore

Kerry Benninghoff (R) house majority leader

Rob Wagner (D) senate majority leader

Barbara Smith Warner (D) house majority leader

Kim Ward (R) senate majority floor leader

Joanna McClinton (D) house minority leader

Fred Girod (R) senate minority leader

Christine Drazan (R) house minority leader

Jay Costa (D) senate minority floor leader

Sen.JamesManning@oregonlegislature.gov

Sen.RobWagner@oregonlegislature.gov

Sen.FredGirod@oregonlegislature.gov

Rep.TinaKotek@oregonlegislature.gov

Rep.PaulHolvey@oregonlegislature.gov

Rep.BarbaraSmithWarner@oregonlegislature.gov

rep.christinedrazan@oregonlegislature.gov

RHODE ISLAND

rilin.state.ri.us senate

86.8% 13% democrat

ISSUE 3 2021 | CSG CAPITOL IDEAS

house

Peter Courtney (D) senate president

Sen.PeterCourtney@oregonlegislature.gov

30

senate

republican

LGoffice@pa.gov

jcorman@pasen.gov

kward@pasen.gov

bcutler@pahousegop.com

kbenning@pahousegop.com

jmcclinton@pahouse.net

costa@pasenate.com

SOUTH CAROLINA

scstatehouse.gov

house

senate

house

86.7% 13.3%

34.8% 65.2%

34.7% 65.3%

democrat

republican

democrat

republican

democrat

republican

Dominick Ruggerio (D) senate president

K. Joseph Shekarchi (D) speaker of the house

Harvey Peeler Jr. (R) senate president

Jay Lucas (R) speaker of the house

Hanna Gallo (D) senate president pro tempore

Brian Patrick Kennedy (D) house speaker pro tempore

A. Shane Massey (R) senate president pro tempore

Tommy Pope (R) house speaker pro tempore

Michael McCaffrey (D) senate majority leader

Christopher Blazejewski (D) house majority leader

Brad Hutto (D) senate minority leader

J. Gary Simrill (R) house majority leader:

Dennis Algiere (R) senate minority leader

Blake Filippi (R) house minority leader

sen-ruggerio@rilegislature.gov

sen-gallo@rilegislature.gov

sen-mccaffrey@rilegislature.gov

sen-algiere@rilegislature.gov

rep-shekarchi@rilegislature.gov

rep-kennedy@rilegislature.gov

rep-blazejewski@rilegislature.gov

rep-filippi@rilegislature.gov

HarveyPeeler@scsenate.gov

ShaneMassey@scsenate.gov

BradHutto@scsenate.gov

JayLucas@schouse.gov

TommyPope@schouse.gov

GarySimrill@schouse.gov

J. Todd Rutherford (D) house minority leader ToddRutherford@schouse.gov

SOUTH DAKOTA

sdlegislature.gov senate

8.5% 91.4%

democrat

republican

TENNESSEE

capitol.tn.gov

house

senate

house

11.4% 88.6%

18.2% 81.8%

26.3% 73.7%

democrat

republican

democrat

republican

democrat

republican

Lt. Gov. Larry Rhoden (R) senate president

Spencer Gosch (R) speaker of the house

Lt. Gov. Randy McNally (R) speaker of the senate

Cameron Sexton (R) speaker of the house

Lee Schoenbeck (R) senate president pro tempore

Jon Hansen (R) house speaker pro tempore

Ferrell Haile (R) senate speaker pro tempore

Pat Marsh (R) house speaker pro tempore

Gary Cammack (R) senate majority leader

Kent Peterson (R) house majority leader

Jack Johnson (R) senate majority leader

William Lamberth (R) house majority leader

Troy Heinert (D) senate minority leader

Jamie Smith (D) house minority leader

Jeff Yarbro (D) senate minority leader

Karen Camper (D) house minority leader

governor.sd.gov/office/contact.aspx

lee.schoenbeck@sdlegislature.gov

gary.cammack@sdlegislature.gov

troy.heinert@sdlegislature.gov

spencer.gosch@sdlegislature.gov

jon.hansen@sdlegislature.gov

kent.peterson@sdlegislature.gov

jamie.smith@sdlegislature.gov

TEXAS

lt.gov.randy.mcnally@capitol.tn.gov

sen.ferrell.haile@capitol.tn.gov

sen.jack.johnson@capitol.tn.gov

sen.jeff.yarbro@capitol.tn.gov

rep.cameron.sexton@capitol.tn.gov

rep.pat.marsh@capitol.tn.gov

rep.william.lamberth@capitol.tn.gov

rep.karen.camper@capitol.tn.gov

UTAH

capitol.texas.gov

le.utah.gov

senate

house

senate

house

41.9% 58.1%

44.7% 55.3%

20.7% 79.3%

22.7% 77.3%

democrat

republican

democrat

republican

democrat

republican

democrat

republican

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick (R) senate president:

Dade Phelan (R) speaker of the house

Stuart Adams (R) senate president

Brad Wilson (R) speaker of the house

Donna Campbell (R) senate president pro tempore

Joe Moody (R) house speaker pro tempore

Evan Vickers (R) senate majority leader

Francis Gibson (R) house majority leader

Karen Mayne (D) senate minority leader

Brian King (D) house minority leader

ltgov.texas.gov/contact

Donna.Campbell@senate.texas.gov

Dade.Phelan@house.texas.gov

Joe.Moody@house.texas.gov

jsadams@le.utah.gov

evickers@le.utah.gov

kmayne@le.utah.gov

bradwilson@le.utah.gov

fgibson@le.utah.gov

briansking@le.utah.gov

In 1896, Martha Hughes Cannon, a Democrat from UTAH, became the first woman elected state senator in the U.S.

ISSUE 3 2021 | CSG CAPITOL IDEAS

TEXAS entered the Union in 1845 and its first state legislature convened from Feb. 16 to May 13, 1846.

31

VERMONT

VIRGINIA

legislature.vermont.gov

virginiageneralassembly.gov

senate

house

senate

20.7% 79.3%

61.3% 30.7%

52.5% 47.5%

democrat

republican

democrat

republican

democrat

republican

house

55% 45%

democrat

republican

Lt. Gov. Molly Gray (D) senate president

Jill Krowinski (D) speaker of the house

Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax (D) senate president

Eileen Filler-Corn (D) speaker of the house

Becca Balint (D) senate president pro tempore

Emily Long (D) house majority leader

L. Louise Lucas (D) senate president pro tempore

Charniele Herring (D) house majority leader

Alison Clarkson (D) senate majority leader

Patricia McCoy (R) house minority leader

Richard Saslaw (D) senate majority leader

Todd Gilbert (R) house minority leader

ltgov.vermont.gov/form/contact

bbalint@leg.state.vt.us

aclarkson@leg.state.vt.us

jkrowinski@leg.state.vt.us

elong@leg.state.vt.us

pmccoy@leg.state.vt.us

Randy Brock (R) senate minority leader

ltgov@ltgov.virginia.gov

district18@senate.virginia.gov

district35@senate.virginia.gov

DelEFiller-Corn@house.virginia.gov

DelCHerring@house.virginia.gov

DelTGilbert@house.virginia.gov

Thomas Norment Jr. (R) senate minority leader

rbrock@leg.state.vt.us

district03@senate.virginia.gov

The youngest person to be elected to state government was Saira Blair, who assumed office in the WEST VIRGINIA House of Delegates when she was 18 years and 176 days. Her father, Craig Blair, is a member of the West Virginia Senate. He previously represented the same House of Delegates district in which his daughter was elected.

WASHINGTON

WEST VIRGINIA

leg.wa.gov

senate

house

senate

59.2% 40.8%

58.2% 41.8%

32.4% 67.6%

ISSUE 3 2021 | CSG CAPITOL IDEAS

democrat

32

wvlegislature.gov

republican

democrat

republican

democrat

republican

house

22% 78%

democrat

republican

Lt. Gov. Denny Heck (D) senate president

Laurie Jinkins (D) speaker of the house

Lt. Gov. Craig Blair (R) senate president

Roger Hanshaw (R) speaker of the house

Karen Keiser (D) senate president pro tempore

Tina Orwall (D) house speaker pro tempore

Donna Boley (R) senate president pro tempore

Gary Howell (R) house speaker pro tempore

Andy Billig (D) senate majority leader

Pat Sullivan (D) house majority leader

Tom Takubo (R) senate majority leader

Amy Summers (R) house majority leader

John Braun (R) senate minority leader

J.T. Wilcox (R) house minority leader

Stephen Baldwin (D) senate minority leader

Doug Skaff (D) house minority leader

ltgov@ltgov.wa.gov

karen.keiser@leg.wa.gov

andy.billig@leg.wa.gov

john.braun@leg.wa.gov

laurie.jinkins@leg.wa.gov

tina.orwall@leg.wa.gov

pat.sullivan@leg.wa.gov

jt.wilcox@leg.wa.gov

craig.blair@wvsenate.gov

donna.boley@wvsenate.gov

tom.takubo@wvsenate.gov

stephen.baldwin@wvsenate.gov

roger.hanshaw@wvhouse.gov

gary.howell@wvhouse.gov

amy.summers@wvhouse.gov

doug.skaff@wvhouse.gov

WISCONSIN

WYOMING

legis.wisconsin.gov

wyoleg.gov

senate

house

36.4% 63.6%

38.4% 60.6%

democrat

republican

democrat

republican

senate

house

6.7% 93.3%

democrat

11.7% 85%

republican

democrat

republican

Chris Kapenga (R) senate president

Robin Vos (R) speaker of the assembly

Dan Dockstader (R) senate president

Eric Barlow (R) speaker of the house

Patrick Testin (R) senate president pro tempore

Tyler August (R) assembly speaker pro tempore

Larry Hicks (R) senate vice president

Mike Greear (R) house speaker pro tempore

Devin LeMahieu (R) senate majority leader

Jim Steineke (R) assembly majority leader

Ogden Driskill (R) senate majority floor leader

Albert Sommers (R) house majority floor leader

Janet Bewley (D) senate minority leader

Gordon Hintz (D) assembly minority leader

Chris Rothfuss (D) senate minority floor leader

Cathy Connolly (D) house minority floor leader

sen.kapenga@legis.wisconsin.gov

sen.testin@legis.wi.gov

sen.lemahieu@legis.wi.gov

sen.bewley@legis.wi.gov

rep.vos@legis.wisconsin.gov

rep.august@legis.wisconsin.gov

rep.steineke@legis.wisconsin.gov

rep.hintz@legis.wisconsin.gov

Dan.Dockstader@wyoleg.gov

Larry.Hicks@wyoleg.gov

Ogden.Driskill@wyoleg.gov

Chris.Rothfuss@wyoleg.gov

Eric.Barlow@wyoleg.gov

Mike.Greear@wyoleg.gov

Albert.Sommers@wyoleg.gov

Cathy.Connolly@wyoleg.gov

AMERICAN SAMOA americansamoa.gov/fono

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA dccouncil.us

Tuaolo Fruean (NP) senate president

Phil Mendelson (D) council chairman

Fetu Fetui Jr. (NP) vice speaker of the house

pmendelson@dccouncil.us

Kenyan McDuffie (D) council chairman pro tempore kmcduffie@dccouncil.us

Savali Talavou Ale (NP) speaker of the house

NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS cnmileg.net

GUAM guamlegislature.com Therese Terlaje (D) speaker of the legislature

Telena Cruz Nelson (D) majority leader

Jude Hofschneider (R) senate president

senatortcnelson@guamlegislature.org

sen.hofschneiderj@cnmileg.net

Edmund Villagomez (I) speaker of the house

Tina Rose Muña Barnes (D) vice speaker of the legislature

Christopher Duenas (R) minority leader

Justo Quitugua (R) senate vice president

Blas Jonathan Attao (R) house vice speaker

speaker@guamlegislature.org

senatormunabarnes@guamlegislature.org

senatorchrisduenas@gmail.com

sen.quituguaj@cnmileg.gov.mp

Vinson Sablan (I) senate floor leader:

PUERTO RICO senado.pr.gov | tucamarapr.org

rep.sablanv@cnmileg.gov.mp

rep.evillagomez@cnmileg.net

Ralph Yumul (R) house floor leader rep.yumulr@cnmileg.gov.mp

Rafael Hernandez Montanez (PDP) speaker of the house rahernandez@camaraderepresentantes.org

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS legvi.org

Marially Gonzalez Huertas (PDP) senate vice president

Jose Varela Fernandez (PDP) house speaker pro tempore

Donna Frett-Gregory (D) president of the legislature

jvarela@camaraderepresentantes.org

senatorfrett-gregory@legvi.org

Javier Aponte Dalmau (PDP) senate majority leader

Angel Matos Garcia (PDP) house majority leader

Novelle Francis Jr. (D) vice president nfrancis@legvi.org

Thomas Rivera Schatz (NPP) senate minority leader

Carlos Mendez Nunez (NPP) house minority leader

jldalmau@senado.pr.gov

magonzalez@senado.pr.gov

japonte@senado.pr.gov

trivera@senado.pr.gov

amatos@camaraderepresentantes.org

cmendez@camaraderepresentantes.org

Marvin Blyden (D) majority leader mblyden@legvi.org

This leadership list was updated and is accurate as of July 12, 2021.

ISSUE 3 2021 | CSG CAPITOL IDEAS

Jose Dalmau Santiago (PDP) senate president

33

C h

ISSUE 3 2021 | CSG CAPITOL IDEAS

TRADITION

34

n g i n g

As the first female Virginia speaker, Delegate Eileen Filler-Corn is committed to service through bold changes

by Mary Elizabeth Lonergan

O

n Jan. 8, 2020, the hand holding the gavel inside the Virginia House of Delegates looked different. Instead of belonging to a man, as it had for the past 400 years, it belonged to a Jewish woman. Eileen Filler-Corn was elected to be the first female Speaker of the Virginia House.

“Part of my upbringing from an early age was how can we get involved in the community and make things better and improve the world.”

“The proudest moment of mine was when I was first sworn in as speaker and I had the opportunity to stand up there on the dais with the gavel in my hand,” Filler-Corn said. “I looked out and saw everyone’s faces and I saw the diversity and I was so incredibly proud.

Filler-Corn was once involved in a carjacking with her two children in tow, an experience that greatly impacted her and propelled her into a life of advocacy.

“Diversity, to me, is so important. It’s diversity of thought, diversity of perspective … legislation is so much better when it is written by a diverse body.”

With the emphasis of diversity in mind, in those moments, Filler-Corn said she was able to reflect on Virginians who may have representation for the first time.

“I felt like our body was diverse and representative of constituencies that have never had a voice before. I will always think back to that moment. Elections matter — and candidates matter,” she said.

‘I ACT DECISIVELY WITH BOLD ACTIONS’

“Obviously that was a horrifying experience,” she said. “I found a way to become an advocate on behalf of public safety.”

“

I ACT DECISIVELY WITH BOLD ACTIONS, AND I HAVE FOUND THAT THIS IS THE TIME. I TRULY BELIEVE WHEN YOU LEAN INTO DOING WHAT’S RIGHT, YOU ARE ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ISSUES.”

COMMITMENT TO SERVICE

“I’ve always been very much focused on making a difference and people,” she said. “My mother actually has multiple sclerosis. As a young child, I wanted to get involved in some way and my parents felt this was a way we could make a difference and get involved.”

Filler-Corn’s faith has also defined her leadership style.

“The premise of the Jewish faith is ‘Tikkun Olam’ and giving back and leaving the world a better place than when you found it,” she said, using a phrase that is often translated as “repair the world” or “mend the world,” according to Time magazine.

“As a leader, I have an opportunity to move things along. As an elected official, it’s my job to listen, and I believe that strongly. I feel it’s not just important to listen but to act. I have the gavel; I have the ability to move things forward. I am guided by what is good policy.”

Filler-Corn has become known for taking bold and sometimes controversial action.

In 2020, she removed the bust of Confederate leader Robert E. Lee from the Old House Chamber of the Virginia State Capitol. At times, she has removed fellow legislators from committee positions.

“I act decisively with bold actions, and I have found that this is the time. I truly believe when you lean into doing what’s right, you are on the right side of the issues,” she said. “We will continue to be re-elected because the voters know exactly what they are getting. They express what issues are important and we move forward.”

A LASTING IMPACT ON VIRGINIANS

Filler-Corn said she is committed to providing Virginians with a chance to be heard and to acting on issues important to constituents, particularly during the challenging times presented by COVID-19.

ISSUE 3 2021 | CSG CAPITOL IDEAS

Filler-Corn has served in the Virginia House of Delegates since 2010.

Growing up, she and her sister were always involved in fundraising and leadership, including raising money for the multiple sclerosis society.

Public safety is just one of many areas of policy Filler-Corn is passionate about. She counts education and health care as areas in which she would most like to effect change.

35

“We are really impacting Virginians; we are improving lives every single day across the board on all these issues,” she said. “I’m very proud of the way we’ve been able to navigate these tough times. These have been unprecedented times, uncharted territory, so on top of moving forward and making a difference on a policy front, we’re governing responsibly in a very tough time.”

For her, the legacy will be about the positive impact left by the legislature during the pandemic.

“I think the COVID-19 pandemic health crisis and economic crisis and how we have been able to respond will certainly be remembered and studied for decades to come. My focus has always been, ‘How can we help those most vulnerable?’ The way we were able to move forward and navigate this crisis and govern responsibly is key.”

“

She said some benefits have been created as the legislature pivoted to accommodate COVID-19 changes.

I THINK THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC HEALTH CRISIS AND ECONOMIC CRISIS AND HOW WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO RESPOND WILL CERTAINLY BE REMEMBERED AND STUDIED FOR DECADES TO COME. MY FOCUS HAS ALWAYS BEEN, ‘HOW CAN WE HELP THOSE MOST VULNERABLE?’ THE WAY WE WERE ABLE TO MOVE FORWARD AND NAVIGATE THIS CRISIS AND GOVERN RESPONSIBLY IS KEY.”

“We have 100 members in our body.

While moving things virtually, we were also able to increase transparency and increase public participation,” she said.

“I’m hopeful that some of these areas of increased transparency and participation will stay with us even after the pandemic.”

Being able to communicate with fellow legislators and constituents has led to her success as Speaker, she said.

“Communication is key,” Filler-Corn said. “I have a reputation working with everybody, working with both sides. I am confident that our majority will be remembered as a body that handled the crisis and the recovery competently, fairly and really with a focus on everyday Virginians.”

“

I THINK SHE IS DOING AN OUTSTANDING JOB. SHE WAS THE BEST PERSON OF OUR 55-MEMBER CAUCUS. SHE HAS WORKED REALLY HARD AND DESERVES A LOT OF CREDIT FOR THE VICTORIES WE’VE HAD — THEY WERE HISTORIC IN SO MANY WAYS WITH THE DIVERSITY WE BROUGHT IN.” — Delegate Mark Sickles

AT W O R K :

ISSUE 3 2021 | CSG CAPITOL IDEAS

Learn More About the Virginia Speaker’s Legislative Efforts

36

Following the mass school shooting in Parkland, Florida, in 2018, Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn co-chaired the Safe Virginia Initiative Task Force, a first-of-itskind commission that worked with Virginians across the Commonwealth to discuss ways to combat gun violence.

Speaker Filler-Corn championed the passage of the Virginia Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act, which made it possible for individuals with disabilities and their families to open tax-free savings accounts, similar to 529 college savings accounts, so they can save for important future living expenses such as education, housing and transportation.

“

SHE WAS MY MENTOR WHEN I SERVED IN THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES. SHE HELPED ME MY FIRST FEW YEARS, SO I HAVE A LOT OF ADMIRATION AND APPRECIATION FOR HER. SHE HAS BEEN A BREATH OF FRESH AIR. PRESIDING OVER WHAT HAS BEEN A GENERATIONAL SHIFT IN DIVERSITY FOR THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES, SHE’S DONE AN EXCELLENT JOB AT MANAGING RELATIONSHIPS.” — Virginia Senator Jennifer Boysko

D i D y

; Prior to her election to the

Virginia House, Filler-Corn served in the administrations of Governors Mark Warner and Tim Kaine.

; She lives with her husband,

Bob, in Springfield where they raised their two children, Jeremy and Alana.

KNOW? u

Springfield ISSUE 3 2021 | CSG CAPITOL IDEAS

37

Checks Balances New laws throughout the states seek to increase legislative oversight of COVID-19 executive orders.

by Joel Sams

S ISSUE 3 2021 | CSG CAPITOL IDEAS

ince January 2020, governors across the U.S. have issued more than 3,600 executive orders in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Ranging from declarations of states of emergency to child care regulations to allocation and inventory of personal protective equipment, these orders have been met with both legal and legislative challenges.

38

Now, as the end of the public health emergency seems to come into sight, many state legislatures are attempting to increase legislative oversight of the powers a governor could exert in a future emergency. The judicial and executive branches have responded in a variety of ways — sometimes supporting increased legislative oversight and sometimes challenging it.

In 2021, many states will see a shift in the balance of powers as all three branches of government grapple with issues of oversight, emergency orders and the interplay of legislative and executive authority.

This year alone, 45 states, Guam and Puerto Rico have introduced or are considering more than 300 bills that would increase legislative oversight of executive orders, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL).

One such bill is Idaho S.B. 1136, which would have allowed the governor to extend a state of emergency past 60 days only if the extension was required to receive federal funding. Idaho Gov. Brad Little vetoed the bill, and the Senate fell short of the two-thirds vote required to override the veto. Little vetoed a similar bill (H.B. 135) on April 20, but the House voted to override the veto the following day (48-19).

In Kansas, a compromise effort produced a bill that the legislature passed with bipartisan votes (118-5 in the House and 31-8 in the Senate). S.B. 40 extended the state emergency originally declared on March 12, 2020, while, among other things, limiting the power of the governor during states of emergency, modifying the procedure for the declaration and extension of a state of disaster emergency under the Kansas emergency management act and authorizing the legislative coordinating council and the legislature to take certain actions related to a state of disaster.

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly signed the bill, avoiding the struggle between the legislature and the governor that has characterized similar bills in other states. She made clear, however, that her signing the bill did not imply support for everything in it.

“This bipartisan compromise will extend the State of Disaster Emergency that allows us to provide hospitals with PPE, support food banks and

pantries, and otherwise respond to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Kelly said in a press release. “The bill includes provisions that I do not support and that could complicate our emergency response efforts. But I will continue to work with legislators and local leaders to keep Kansans safe and healthy during this pandemic.”

legislature convenes only for 30 days during odd-numbered years and 60 days during even-numbered years, Stivers stressed the need for the legislature to be able to convene during an emergency and criticized the governor for not calling an emergency session and relying instead on executive orders.

In Indiana, the House and Senate voted to override Gov. Eric Holcomb’s veto of H.B. 1123, which allows the General Assembly to convene in an emergency session and creates greater legislative oversight of federal economic stimulus funds. In his veto letter to House Speaker Todd Huston, Holcomb said he believes that, by allowing the general assembly to call itself into session, the legislation claims powers exclusively belonging to the governor by the Indiana Constitution. According to Ballotpedia, Holcomb intends to challenge the law in court.

“The Kentucky Supreme Court, in ruling on the governor’s emergency powers last fall, identified that the legislature could modify or revoke the governor’s power,” Stivers said. “The legislature chose to merely modify these emergency powers during the most recent session. SB 1 and 2 are currently in the court system and will soon receive a hearing from the Supreme Court where we believe that we will receive a favorable ruling.”

In Kentucky, the tug-of-war between branches is ongoing as three bills, H.B. 1, S.B. 1 and S.B. 2, were passed by the general assembly and vetoed by Gov. Andy Beshear. The House and Senate overrode Beshear’s vetoes, but the bills were temporarily blocked by Franklin Circuit Judge Phillip Shepherd.

It’s legislative oversight, not legislative management.

We exist to make sure we are stepping in and providing the necessary oversight for taxpayers.”

Like Holcomb, Beshear claimed the legislation is unconstitutional, and he highlighted the need for coordinated statewide response.

se n . tony vargas nebraska

“I am also vetoing Senate Bill 1 because it limits all other emergency orders to thirty days unless a local judge-executive requests an extension,” Beshear wrote in his veto letter. “As this pandemic has shown, and as the Kentucky Supreme Court has recognized, a coordinated statewide response to certain emergencies is essential. Natural emergencies do not respect county lines.”

Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers says, however, that S.B. 1 and S.B. 2 don’t seek to shift the balance of powers — they seek to clarify what powers the governor has during an emergency. Noting that the Kentucky

In Nebraska, lawmakers addressed the constitutional question by proposing a constitutional amendment that would provide legislative authority during emergencies. Nebraska Legislative Resolution 27CA would allow the legislature to convene for a “general or extraordinary session, upon or without call by the Governor, during or after a war or enemy caused disaster occurring in the United States, or during or after a pandemic.”

“It’s legislative oversight, not legislative management,” said Nebraska state Sen. Tony Vargas. “We exist to make sure we are stepping in and providing the necessary oversight for taxpayers.”

At time of writing, the resolution is still in committee, and Vargas says it has a long road ahead. If it does succeed, though, Vargas believes it will help clarify ambiguity and shift the focus back to the issues at hand.

“It would have to be passed by voters but would also make it clear that the pandemic has presented a sort of moral divide where we’re not entirely sure, at times, who is taking the lead on different aspects of this,” Vargas said. “[…] I think it’s a worthwhile venture to take. I think it’s necessary. We need more options to ensure we are reacting to the pandemic, not less options.”

executive orders.

(Source: National Conference of State Legislatures)

ISSUE 3 2021 | CSG CAPITOL IDEAS

During 2021 legislative sessions, 45 states, Guam and Puerto Rico have introduced or are considering more than 300 bills that would increase legislative oversight of

39

ISSUE 3 2021 | CSG CAPITOL IDEAS

Securing

40

the States

The U.S. Intelligence Community assessed that domestic violent extremism poses a heightened threat in 2021.

How should the states respond? by Joel Sams

Newer sociopolitical developments — such as narratives of fraud in the recent general election, the emboldening impact of the violent breach of the U.S. Capitol, conditions related to

the

COVID-19

pandemic,

and

conspiracy

theo-

ries promoting violence — will almost certainly spur some DVEs to try to engage in violence this year.”

— from the U.S. Intelligence Community Threat Assessment

Asurrounding the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. s Arie Perliger watched news develop

Capitol, his first reaction was shock — not that the riot happened, but that law enforcement was seemingly unprepared.

“The first thing that crossed my mind was that everything was there — all the warning signs,” said Perliger, a professor and director of Security Studies at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, who studies right-wing extremism. “All risk factors were identified in advance.”

Perliger says the dismissal or downplaying of early warning signs suggests a misunderstanding of the threat posed by far-right extremist groups. Capitol rioters’ actions were predictable because they stemmed from deeper causes of disinformation and polarization that made the escalation of violence much more likely.

Now, in the wake of the Jan. 6 riot, the U.S. Intelligence Community has issued a threat assessment that applies not just to Capitol Hill, but also to statehouses across the U.S. — domestic violent extremism “poses a heightened threat” in 2021.

The summary defines a domestic violent extremist as “an individual based and operating primarily in the United States without direction or inspiration from a foreign terrorist group or other foreign power and who seeks to further political or social goals wholly or in part through unlawful acts of force of violence.”

In an environment of disinformation, polarization and heightened risk of domestic extremist violence, how should the states respond?

“Given what happened in Michigan, with the plot against Gov. Whitmer, given the aftermath of Jan. 6 and the calls we saw on Telegram and other social media channels for similar events at state capitols — I think it behooves the people in charge to do what the U.S. Capitol is doing, which is a wholesale reassessment of what are the threats, what are our vulnerabilities and how do we mitigate them?” Clarke said.

Many state capitols did increase security measures, at least temporarily, following the Jan. 6 riot.

In Michigan, capitol security is the responsibility of the Michigan State Police (MSP), which coordinates with police departments assigned to the House and Senate as well as the city of Lansing police department.

MSP Public Affairs Director Shannon Banner did not specify what security measures were enacted following the Jan. 6 riot, but she did say MSP “significantly increased our visible personnel commitment and protective measures,” and that some of those measures remain in place.

“We continually monitor for threats and adjust staffing and resources to meet daily needs,” she said. “We work closely with our law enforcement partners to share information and to make sure appropriate safety plans are in place. This flexibility and communication have both provided very beneficial, as we have had no major issues.”

According to the Detroit Free Press, the Michigan Capitol Commission also voted to ban open firearm carry inside the building, though concealed carry was still permitted, as well as open carry on the capitol grounds.

In Washington, Gov. Jay Inslee activated 750 National Guard

ISSUE 3 2021 | CSG CAPITOL IDEAS

The full threat assessment, which is classified, has been shared with Congress and the White House, according to CBS News. The unclassified summary, available online at DNI.gov, identifies the greatest threats as racially or ethnically motivated violent extremists and militia violent extremists.

Increasing Security at State Capitols Colin Clarke is a senior research fellow at The Soufan Center, a nonprofit research organization that studies global security and foreign policy issues. Clarke says the changing landscape of domestic extremism calls for a serious reevaluation of security in state capitols.

41

soldiers to provide additional capitol security for the first day of session, according to the Associated Press. Just a week before, protestors [some of whom were armed] had broken through a security gate to demonstrate at the governor’s mansion. On the first day of session, Washington lawmakers adopted rules that would allow them to meet in a hybrid virtual format for the remainder of session. A security fence, which had been installed in January, remained in place until May 4, according to the Chronicle, a Centralia-based newspaper.

In Iowa, state troopers provided additional support throughout the capitol for the beginning of the 2021 session as more than 200 protesters gathered to protest COVID-19 restrictions. Iowa Department of Public Safety Commissioner Stephan Bayens told the Des Moines Register that forces had been increased significantly and would remain so “until we’re satisfied that there’s not ongoing issues.”

Security has been increased in Georgia since last summer, according to the Associated Press.

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency and activated up to 1,000 National Guard after racial justice protests turned deadly, with 31 people shot over the weekend of July 4, 2020, according to WSB-TV Atlanta. Five people died in the shootings, including an eight-yearold girl named Secoriea Turner. Additionally, nearly 100 protestors vandalized the Georgia Department of Public Safety in Atlanta, breaking windows, starting a fire by shooting fireworks into the building and damaging an automobile outside. In the aftermath of the Jan. 6 riot, capitol security was increased again, according to the Associated Press, with a Georgia state patrol SWAT team on site for the start of session.

ISSUE 3 2021 | CSG CAPITOL IDEAS

In Kentucky, state police, Frankfort police and the National Guard cooperated on increased security measures at the capitol leading up to Inauguration Day, and the capitol grounds were closed to the public, according to a statement from the office of Gov. Andy Beshear. A new security fence had already been installed around the governor’s mansion after a May 2020 protest during which a demonstrator hanged an effigy of Beshear.

42

States Have Best Opportunity to Handle Threats Looking to the future, how should states continue to respond to the changing security landscape?

Perliger, the director of Security Studies at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, says one component of state security will depend on political courage. State and national leaders must condemn all extremist violence, especially when it comes from their own side of the left-right divide.

Perliger’s research focuses on right-wing extremism, and he says the numbers are clear that most violence currently comes from rightwing groups. However, he also points out that threats change over time. As recently as 2000, the FBI identified environmental extremists as the primary domestic threat, and during the 70s and 80s, Perliger says, most domestic extremist violence came from the left.

“There are definitely multiple threats, and anyone who is honest needs to be willing to address that, regardless of political orientation or political views,” Perliger said. “When one side breaks the rules, there needs to be a response.

When our decision making process regarding that response starts to be influenced by political configuration, this is where people lose trust in the government, they lose trust in law enforcement, and that legitimizes all sides to continue to try to cross the line.”

Additionally, the states should acknowledge that extremist groups are adopting new methods and tactics. For instance, Perliger says researchers have seen an increase in vehicle violence against political protestors. State leaders should stay informed about the methods extremists are using and review policy decisions accordingly.

Most importantly, Perliger says federal government should empower state and local law enforcement to respond to threats, because they have the best understanding of what’s happening in their communities.

“They are the ones that can identify individuals or groups who are being radicalized or going through some kind of process that can make them a security threat, and usually they can diffuse the situation before it becomes actual threat,” Perliger said. “I do think the federal government needs to work on these issues, but one of the ways to do it more effectively is to try and empower local law enforcement rather than federalize every kind of response.”

Tim Flynn, a security expert and former FBI special agent, says the most important tool in states’ security arsenals is intelligence — knowing the information that is available, sharing it with those who need it and taking appropriate action. He says it’s also crucial to ensure that a state’s security plan is a good cultural fit — otherwise it won’t be implemented.

“It comes down to culture,” said Flynn, who now serves as a managing director at Strategic Initiatives Global Partners, an international risk management firm that serves the private sector.

“I can sit there and tell [businesses] that we can build a 10-foot wall, we can give you the best technology, you’re going to have to scan cards, you’re going to have biometrics, facial recognition, everything — but if you’re not going to use it, because that’s just not your culture, then what’s the sense of having it?”

Cultures can change, Flynn says, but they don’t change overnight, so it’s important for states to assess what kind of security will be a good fit.

“Do we want an open campus with things that you don’t see, or do we want armed police standing out with long weapons and to have that show of force?” Flynn said. “Those are sort of the options, and then there’s everything in between. No one, really — at least in the United States, I would hope — wants to see people standing there with long weapons. That would be a shame, actually, to have that, but that’s not to say that you don’t have that capability.”

One strategy Flynn recommends is focusing on entry points rather than barriers like security fences. He says states should bring in an expert to evaluate whether certain entrances could be closed, or guests could be funneled through spaces in a particular pattern.

Flynn also emphasized the need for dialogue,

even with extremist groups, as a preventative measure.

“Let people be heard and let them have a conversation,” Flynn said. “In the end, maybe it works, maybe it doesn’t, but it’s been my experience that it works better than shutting somebody out, and a lot of times you can come to a good conclusion. No one’s going to be totally happy, but you just prevented, maybe, something from occurring that would have been devastating to a lot of other people who didn’t have a say in it.”

A final piece of advice from Flynn: state leaders have to take responsibility for security, but the public has a role to play as well.

“It’s up to them to be vigilant,” he said. “Don’t depend on your government to handle your job.

The most important thing is that vigilance piece and working together. The government has to do its job, and public has to do its job.”

Discover Additional Resources at CSG.ORG The riot at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, and the subsequent threats have inspired a debate over capitol security in state houses around the country. The events of Jan. 6 are only one example of an already tumultuous year of political violence directed at public buildings and officials. In addition, the global pandemic has created a need for additional safety and security measures to protect elected officials and staff from COVID-19.

To better understand how these things have impacted states, CSG research analysts performed a comprehensive scan of state capitol security and accessibility across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. This analysis found that significant policy differences exist between states on firearms permissions, security screenings, public accessibility and more.

Read these finding exclusively on State Talk: News and Resources from CSG available here: csgovts.info/capideassecurity.

(States) are the ones that can identify individuals or groups

who are being radicalized or going through some kind of

they can diffuse the situation before it becomes actual threat.

I do think the federal government needs to work on these issues, but

one of the ways to do it more effectively is to try and empower local law enforcement rather than federalize every kind of response.”

— Arie Perliger, a professor and director of Security Studies at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, who studies right-wing extremism

ISSUE 3 2021 | CSG CAPITOL IDEAS

process that can make them a security threat, and usually

43

Communicating

While it isn’t always easy and they don’t always agree with constituents on issues, many legislators say they consistently try to connect with constituents and try to explain their points of view.

by Mary Elizabeth Lonergan

ISSUE 3 2021 | CSG CAPITOL IDEAS

It’s a crucial element in crafting effective legislation. It’s time-consuming and can be fraught with pitfalls. It’s also vital to reelection and continued service.

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With constituents, as with any relationship, communication is key.

“It’s vital that legislators be responsive,” said Scott Jennings, founder and partner of RunSwitch Public Relations in Kentucky. “If they get the idea that you are not listening, they will find someone who will. Especially at a local level, people need to know their concerns and questions are being heard and answered.”

Jennings said telling the truth is the best way legislators can connect with their constituencies.

“Be honest, transparent, forthright and understand that not everyone is going to walk away from every interaction happy,” he said. “All you can do is tell the truth in a timely manner.”

“Most individuals want to be heard. They want to know that my way of thinking isn’t set in stone and that I’m willing to listen because I think that’s what they want from government to not be so static,” Nebraska state Sen. Tony Vargas said.

Every year, Vargas hosts town hall meetings and other open meetings over coffee for his constituents. During those meetings, he collects surveys from those who attend in order to gather feedback on what issues they believe are truly important. Vargas also sends thousands of letters to his constituents each month, he said, in an additional effort to reach those people who are counting on him.

“I might not always change someone’s perspective on whether or not they agree with me,” Vargas said. “But I can influence how they understand my position.”

He works hard to make sure he is providing true and accurate information to his constituents, particularly those who may seem more argumentative or combative.

“We have to be ourselves,” he said. “As public officials, we stepped in voluntarily to be under scrutiny. It’s important to try and push ourselves outside

with

Honesty, time and listening are key to talking with the communities that legislators serve

Constituents

“

We don’t give enough credit to not having an answer to something right off the bat. The beauty of a pause is something underrated in communication. Giving yourself the pause to learn how to respond versus react to something.”

— Colene Elridge, owner and chief coach at Be More Consulting

Think Before You Speak

Colene Elridge, owner and chief coach at Be More Consulting, a professional business coaching agency, worked in state government and human resources before starting her coaching firm. Her best advice to legislators — think before you speak.

Communicating with constituents, whether in person at open meetings or answering phone calls and emails, can be incredibly time consuming.

Georgia state Rep. Chuck Martin tries to balance the need to communicate with constituents and the need to work on legislation in order to serve them — two very important aspects of public service. But Martin agrees that honesty is the most important thing.

“That is so hard when you are a legislator, and you are forced to give your thoughts and opinions on something on the spot,” Elridge said. “We don’t give enough credit to not having an answer to something right off the bat.

The beauty of a pause is something underrated in communication. Giving yourself the pause to learn how to respond versus react to something.”

“When communicating with voters, always tell them truth,” he said.

“First you let them know you hear what they say. You might not change their mind, they might not change your mind, but you at least have communication.”

According to Elridge, it is important for legislators to answer three questions when determining the appropriate tone and message of their response: What is it I want them to feel? What is it I want them to know?

What is it I want them to do?

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of the status quo and what we think people will respond to and grow and learn about other ways to engage… Nobody should ever be in conflict with their values and their identity.”

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“[These responses] can really enhance our ability to communicate more effectively,” she said. “When we keep those in mind, it stops me from saying things in the heat of the moment that are not constructive to the conversation.”

The Behavioral Science of Connecting

When communicating with voters, always tell them truth. First you let them know you hear what they say. You might not change their mind, they might not change your mind, but you at least have communication.”

He suggested that constituents must have reason to act in order to connect with their legislators.

— Rep. Chuck Martin, Georgia Somewhat often, legislators can face accusations of “flip-flopping” on issues, a term Elridge said she didn’t like.

“If someone comes to a new decision because they were presented with new information and they allowed themselves to hear it and shift a perspective, I don’t see anything wrong with that,” she said. “People get themselves in trouble when they don’t communicate how they came to this new decision so the appearance of it can look like flip flopping.”

But taking time to think before you speak — or type — can also help with flip flopping accusations. Jennings, the RunSwitch Public Relations founder, urged legislators to pause before they react for this reason.

“Thinking through your answers before you give them is important,” Jennings said. “Before you hit send on that email, ask yourself, ‘Have I taken a contradictory position before? If so, why did I change?’ Really think through those issues.

“The kiss of death in politics is to send different messages on issues based on who you happen to be talking to at the time. That’s worse than flip-flopping. If you are going to evolve on a position, have a

good reason for it. Folks will understand as long as it is a rational reason and not just politics.”

In order to help their constituents feel understood, legislators should address certain components of their decision-making process in these conversations, said Will Leach, founder of Mindstate Group, a training and consulting company that applies behavioral science to marketing.

“You have to provide that fuel to act,” Leach said. “What do your constituents really want at a deep psychological level and what do they desire?”

Legislators should think about aspirational goals, what motivates them, lowering resistance and decision short cuts, Leach said.

“Framing speeches and interviews in that way: here are the aspirational goals, here is what motivates them, are they risk-adverse or are they seeking to optimize gains and one or two heuristics — this combination can make you very effective because you are tapping into these psychological mind states.”

“

The kiss of death in politics is to send different messages on issues based on who you happen to be talking to at the time.

That’s worse than flip-flopping. If you are going to evolve on a position, have a good reason for it. Folks will understand as long as it is a rational reason and not just politics.”

— Scott Jennings, founder and partner of RunSwitch Public Relations in Kentucky

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According to Colene Elridge, owner and chief coach at Be More Consulting, it is important for legislators to answer three questions when determining the appropriate tone and message of their response to constituents:

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1 2

What is it I want them to feel?

What is it I want them to know?

3

What is it I want them to do?

Tips for

Talking

to People Who Disagree with You

Words from Megan Phelps-Roper, former member of Westboro Baptist Church, offered the following thoughts in her TED Talk. Phelps-Roper regularly contributes to ideas.ted.com and is a writer and educator on topics related to extremism, bullying and empathy in dialogue.

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Ask questions. “When we engage people across ideological divides, asking questions helps us map the disconnect between our differing points of view. That’s important because we can’t present effective arguments if we don’t understand where the other side is actually coming from and it gives them an opportunity to point out flaws in our positions.”

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Stay calm. “This takes practice and patience, but it’s powerful. People often lament that digital communication makes us less civil, but this is one advantage that online conversations have over in-person ones. We have a buffer of time and space between us and the people whose ideas we find so frustrating. We can use that buffer. Instead of lashing out, we can pause, breathe, change the subject or walk away, and then come back to it when we’re ready.”

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Make the argument. “This might seem obvious, but one side effect of having strong beliefs is we sometimes assume that the value of our position is, or should be, obvious and self-evident; that we shouldn’t have to defend our positions because they’re so clearly right and good; that if someone doesn’t get it, it’s their problem — that it’s not my job to educate them. But if it were that simple, we would all see things the same way … We can’t expect others to spontaneously change their own minds. If we want change, we have to make the case for it.”

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Don’t assume bad intent. “Assuming ill motives almost instantly cuts us off from truly understanding why someone does and believes as they do. When we assume good or neutral intent, we give our minds a much stronger framework for dialogue.”

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Special grant program helps WIC agencies

provide better services to communities in need

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by Matt Shafer, Keith Buckhout and Rachel Wright

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overnment is at its best when it provides efficient solutions for the challenges families face. More than ever before, state and local governments are summoned to use resources to ensure necessary public support is accessible.

“CSG applauds the innovative ways states are seeking to overcome common barriers to certification and better meet the needs of WIC-eligible families,” said Elizabeth Whitehouse, CSG chief public policy officer.

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The Council of State Governments and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently began investing federal grant funds in four state Women, Infants and Children (WIC) agencies — Colorado, Michigan, Pennsylvania and West Virginia — as part of the WIC Special Project Innovation Grant program. This grant is a collaboration between CSG and the USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). It is intended to support WIC agencies as they implement and evaluate ideas to improve the WIC certification process for families.

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WIC protects and improves the health and nutritional status of low-income women, infants and children. However, the certification process often presents challenges to applicants who are trying to enroll in the program.

The projects funded through these subgrants are focused on improving that certification process, which could result in reduced appointment noshow rates, shortened certification appointments and clinic wait times, increased participant satisfaction and reduced temporary or shortened certifications that are completed. These projects provide measurable results, detailed program operations and can be easily scaled or transferred to other WIC agencies.

“I commend FNS for prioritizing this crucial issue on behalf of the WIC population,” said CSG Program Manager Matt Shafer, who oversees this grant partnership. “These families, especially during the current economic and health crises, need every opportunity to access the WIC program.

Projects aimed at removing barriers to WIC certification will move us towards a system where all eligible families have the tools necessary to access the benefits available to them through WIC.” The WIC Special Project Innovation Grant also selected three WIC local agencies for funding. Those include Public Health Foundation Enterprises WIC in Irwindale, California, Long Island Jewish Medical Center WIC in New Hyde Park, New York, and Family Service Lincoln WIC in Lincoln, Nebraska.

These families, especially during the current economic and health crises, need every opportunity to access the WIC program. Projects aimed at removing barriers to WIC certification will move us towards a system where all eligible families have the tools necessary to access the benefits available to them through WIC.” — Matt Shafer, CSG project manager who oversees the WIC Special Project Innovation Grant

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Colorado WIC

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The Colorado WIC program will integrate client-focused technologies such as a customer relationship management system, a client portal and a two-way texting platform into the operations of all WIC clinics in the state. These efforts will increase WIC enrollees’ access to information and facilitate scheduling of certification appointments.

Michigan WIC The Michigan WIC program will conduct a thorough business analysis to understand current supports in and barriers to the certification process in Michigan. State officials will also integrate a pre-certification questionnaire into existing online platforms and expand their current client portal and mobile app to incorporate Arabic language functionality. This will allow for expanded accessibility for all clients who receive women, infant and children benefits.

Pennsylvania WIC West Virginia WIC and

The Pennsylvania WIC and West Virginia WIC programs have partnered and will provide local agencies access to the State Health Information Exchange and establish a Medical Liaison position to provide outreach to primary care providers.

These efforts will increase information available to staff prior to certification appointments, allowing staff to provide more tailored information during initial appointments and reduce the length of appointment times.

“Continuing to implement technology into WIC service provision ensures remaining on pace with changes in healthcare and building WIC services as a relevant, important support to the medical home,” said West Virginia WIC Director, Heidi Staats in a press release. “Millennial and Generation Z parents have a reliance, preference and expectation for technology.”

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If an applicant’s height, weight and other health data are previously logged through the Health Information Exchange, an applicant’s eligibility assessment can begin prior to their arrival at a WIC clinic.

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CSG partners with Department of Defense to develop new interstate compacts for occupational licensure portability

by Matt Shafer, Keith Buckhout and Rachel Wright

T

he Council of State Governments, in partnership with the Department of Defense, announced five professions selected to work with the CSG National Center for Interstate Compacts to develop model legislation to help military spouses and other practitioners gain professional license portability.

Through this cooperative agreement, which first formed in October 2020 to provide technical assistance, the CSG National Center for Interstate Compacts will work with the Department of Defense to assist the professions of cosmetology and barbering, dentistry and dental hygiene, massage therapy, social work and K-12 teaching in developing interstate licensing compacts to address occupational licensure portability.

These professions were selected — through a competitive proposals process — due to the many obstacles that their workers encounter when moving from state to state. Often workers in these professions find they must receive additional certification or licensure to meet state requirements, which creates a barrier to finding work and beginning employment.

“These compacts will allow mobile professionals to bring the licenses they earned and the essential services they provide to communities in different states,” said CSG Chief Public Policy Officer Elizabeth Whitehouse. “We are grateful the Department of Defense recognized the proven ability of the National Center for Interstate Compacts to develop viable occupational licensure compacts and look forward to providing states with opportunities to expand employment opportunities in licensed professions.”

Occupational licensure compacts create reciprocity between states while maintaining the quality and safety of services and protecting state sovereignty. Compacts result in a more

efficient distribution of licensed workers by supporting practitioner mobility, an issue that often greatly impacts military spouses who are frequently relocating. This partnership between CSG and the Department of Defense addresses the burden associated with relicensing by assisting professions that are interested in developing interstate licensing compacts but whose professional organizations lack the necessary resources to engage in the process.

“Military spouses work hard to earn professional credentials and establish themselves in licensed occupations while also being willing to sacrifice their professional lives in support of their spouse so they can serve our country,” said Wisconsin state Sen. Joan Ballweg, who serves as the national chair for CSG. “Creating interstate compacts for these occupations will reduce regulatory burdens substantially and restore the career options they deserve. CSG and the Department of Defense chose worthy occupations, and I am encouraged by their progress on this vital project.”

In the coming months, CSG staff will convene representatives from selected professions, state regulators, subject-matter experts and other industry stakeholders to begin development of the interstate compacts. CSG and regulatory experts will identify obstacles the professions face and collaboratively develop and recommend solutions that will inform the drafting of model compact legislation.

This opportunity represents the first round of assistance CSG is making available to professions for interstate compact development. Interested professions are encouraged to remain in contact with CSG as more opportunities for assistance become available during 2021.

About Occupational Licensure Interstate Compacts Occupational licensure compacts create reciprocity between states while maintaining the quality and safety of services and protecting state sovereignty. Compacts result in a more efficient distribution of licensed workers by supporting practitioner mobility.

Prior to its partnership with the Department of Defense, the CSG National Center for Interstate Compacts led the development of interstate compacts for physicians, nurses, emergency medical services personnel, physical therapists, psychologists, occupational therapists, licensed professional counselors and audiologists/speech-language pathologists. More than 40 states and territories have adopted at least one of the compacts and over half have adopted three or more.

About the National Center for Interstate Compacts CSG has more than 75 years of experience promoting multi-state problem solving and advocating the role of the states in determining their respective futures. The National Center for Interstate Compacts is a policy program developed by CSG to assist states in developing interstate compacts, which have proved to be an effective mechanism for states to jointly problem solve.

—Wisconsin state Sen. Joan Ballweg, CSG national chair

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Military spouses work hard to earn professional credentials and establish themselves in licensed occupations while also being willing to sacrifice their professional lives in support of their spouse so they can serve our country. Creating interstate compacts for these occupations will reduce regulatory burdens substantially and restore the career options they deserve.”

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Santa Fe, New Mexico 2021 CSG National Conference December 1-4 Register now: web.csg.org/2021

CSG South Director Brings Fresh Perspective and Experience

C

by Mary Elizabeth Lonergan

SG South/Southern Legislative Conference has selected a new director, who will help guide the regional office into new, exciting ventures while maintaining its longtime support of elected and appointed state government officials in the southern U.S.

Gray is a graduate of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) Leadership Class of 2015 and the Senior Executive Institute at Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service at the University of Virginia. She is excited for the unique opportunities the Southern region can bring.

“We are excited to welcome Lindsey to the CSG family,” said CSG Executive Director/CEO David Adkins. “She is a great fit to lead our staff at CSG South.

I am confident, given her many skills and positive energy, the CSG Southern Legislative Conference will only grow stronger in the years ahead.”

“To know the South is to know we are resilient. We will always unite to find a way,” she said. “Still, I believe this is one of the most significant times in the history of the Southern Legislative Conference to be the conduit for increased dialogue, collaboration and assembly. Gathering with colleagues from across the region and knowledge sharing always seems to bring a hopeful spirit; this is why we are known for our potlucks in the South.

Gathering and sharing generates the hopeful spirit and can produce a bounty of outcomes.”

Lindsey Gray comes from a background in policy, fundraising, entrepreneurship and partnership and is ready to take the helm of CSG South.

“I have a strong background in developing partnerships across various sectors, demonstrating a policy focus and fundraising success,” said Gray, who earned her master’s in public administration from Troy University. “I have more than 16 years of operations experience, primarily focused on government affairs and transportation.”

Gray’s background also includes entrepreneurial ventures. In 2015, she founded the first electric pedal-assist bikeshare system in the Western Hemisphere and the fifth one in the world. She also founded the first female-owned micromobility consulting firm.

Gray grew up in Birmingham, Alabama, and was initially drawn to the position because it was the perfect match of her skills and job requirements.

“I was not seeking my next career move,” she said. “I was seeking a commitment — a commitment to an organizational mission, commitment to a team of professionals, commitment to other leaders that care just like we care. I found it. I’ve also always been motivated by making an impact with the relationships I form and my professional work. CSG South is an impactful organization full of committed leaders on all levels; this is what drives me and feeds my soul.”

“The Southern Legislative Conference is historically a substantial region with deep participation, so it is my goal to keep this legacy of strength going,” Gray said. “We will continue growing our ability to provide non-partisan policy analysis and research as well as leadership programs to our members. We will continue to facilitate learning experiences through our annual meetings and partnerships that center around elevating our member states.”

Gray said the CSG Southern office will continue to be a member-centered organization; having this approach at the forefront of our mission guides CSG’s decision-making and accountability to the region.

When Gray isn’t working, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her family and her dogs, Catcher and Bailey. She is proud of the work the Southern region has become known for and plans to continue the work ahead.

“The leaders before me created a strong foundation, and I believe in the old Southern saying, ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.’”

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“I have worked with municipalities, states and partners from throughout the country to plan for and implement responsible alternative transportation systems and policies,” she said.

She plans on keeping alive the Southern region’s tradition of being strong and active.

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CT / DE / MA / MD / ME / NH / NJ / NY / PA / RI / VT / NB / NS / ON / PE / PR / QC / VI

Maine Considering Statewide Free Student Meals Proposal

Connecticut Considers Automatic Criminal Record Expungement

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Connecticut is one of 10 states this year to consider legislation that would automatically expunge some criminal records, according to the Pew Research Center.

S.B. 1019, the “Clean Slate” bill, would provide for automatic erasure of misdemeanors and some felonies between seven and 15 years after conviction, according to Connecticut Public Radio. Many people who are eligible to have their criminal records cleared fail to do so because of costs and complicated processes, according to Pew, which cited a University of Michigan study that found 90% of people who were eligible did not apply for record clearing.

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Pennsylvania was the first state to pass an automatic criminal record expungement bill in 2018, according to Pew, and 11 states currently have automatic record expungement laws. Eligibility for record clearing varies based on the type of crime committed and the number of convictions. Advocates of the Connecticut bill say automatic record clearing legislation could return millions to the workforce; critics are concerned about public safety. Similar legislation was introduced in 2018 and again before the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020. At time of writing, two bills — the 2021 ‘Clean Slate’ bill, along with another bill that further limits eligibility for record clearing — have passed the Senate and await a vote in the House.

For more on CSG East, visit csg-erc.org 212.482.2320 • info@csg-erc.org

A new bill that would give free breakfast and lunch to all Maine students has passed the Senate with unanimous support and is headed to the House. The program would cost the state about $34 million annually, according to a nonpartisan analysis cited by the Portland Press Herald. Approximately 44% of Maine’s public school students qualify for free or reduced meals, the Herald said, and according to the University of Southern Maine Food Studies program, nearly a quarter of children in Maine “do not have reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food.”

New York Broadband Law Would Make Internet a Utility New York state Assemblywoman Nily Rozic and state Sen. Sean Ryan announced legislation that would allow the Public Service Commission (PSC) to oversee broadband. Following on the heels of a new law mandating $15 per month internet for low-income households, the “NY broadband resiliency, public safety and quality act” would “provide for oversight of the resiliency, public safety and quality of broadband and voice over internet protocol service.”

“Access to high-speed, quality broadband service is a necessity and essential to New York’s economy, education, and civic life,” Rozic said in a press release. “New Yorkers deserve accountability and connectivity when it comes to broadband. This legislation is critical in ensuring that the PSC can regulate this infrastructure and deliver for consumers across New York.”

Save the Date for ERC 60th Annual Meeting The CSG East/ERC 60th Annual Meeting and Regional Policy Forum will convene virtually Aug. 16-20. The meeting’s theme is “State of the Future: Mapping a Regional Path Forward,” exploring how states in the Eastern region can respond to new opportunities and learn from one another to restore economies, build the health of jurisdictions and implement real solutions in the aftermath of the pandemic. To learn more and register, visit: https://csg-erc.org/ annual-meetings/2020-2.

Eastern Leadership Academy The Robert J. Thompson Eastern Leadership Academy will meet in Philadelphia, Aug. 22–26, bringing together a class of 30 selected state officials for five days of intensive training with experts in communications, government and policy development. Created in in coordination with the Fels Institute of Government at the University of Pennsylvania, the program includes lectures with award-winning Penn faculty and hands-on workshops in media relations, negotiation skills and public speaking. To learn more, visit: https://csgerc.org/leadership-training.

IA / IL / IN / KS / MI / MN / ND / NE / OH / SD / WI / AB / MB / ON / SK

CSG Midwest Annual Meeting Turns 75

Ohio Seeks to Declare Google a Public Utility

The 75th CSG Midwest Annual Meeting

With a lawsuit filed by Attorney General David Yost, Ohio has become the first state in the U.S. to seek to classify Google as a public utility, which would allow the government to oversee and regulate how Google presents search results. “Google uses its dominance of internet search to steer Ohioans to Google’s own products — that’s discriminatory and anti-competitive,” Yost said in a press release. “When you own the railroad or the electric company or the cellphone tower, you have to treat everyone the same and give everybody access.”

will meet in person in Rapid City, South Dakota (July 11-14). Events include policy committee meetings, a Black Hills excursion, professional development workshops, outings to the Crazy Horse Memorial and Mount Rushmore, a keynote address by journalist Ben Hammersley and more. With events for spouses and children, the family-friendly MLC Annual Meeting is the only event of its kind designed by and for legislators from the Midwest’s states and provinces. To learn more and register, visit: csgmidwest.org.

BILLD Program Sharpens Leadership Skills This year’s Bowhay Institute for Legislative Leadership Development (BILLD) will bring together a cohort up-and-coming Midwestern state leaders for a unique five-day educational experience (Oct. 1-5). In addition to a focus on leadership training, such as conflict resolution and negotiation, BILLD includes policy sessions on issues such as education, corrections, health care and economic development, as well as seminars on media relations, priority management and consensus building. Learn more about the program at: csgmidwest.org/billd.

Illinois Lawmakers Address Concerns About Justice Reform

State leaders in Wisconsin have an unusual problem on their hands — how to spend $4.4 billion more than they were expecting. The Wisconsin Legislature’s nonpartisan budget office released figures in early June projecting that aggregate general tax fund collections would be $4.4 billion over previous estimates for 2021-23.

Legislative Fiscal Bureau Director Robert Lang attributed the increase to “strength of collections and the vastly improved economic conditions for the remainder of this year and the next two years.”

Bipartisan legislation that would ease occupational transitions for military families has reached the desk of Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. Together, four bills would give occupational license reciprocity to veterans, members of the armed forces, members of the uniformed services, and their dependents who hold an out-of-state license or registration.

“Our dedicated military servicemembers put their lives on the line for our families, and we have a duty to ensure their support when they return home,” Gov. Whitmer said when the legislation was announced on Nov. 10. “That means making sure they have paths to good jobs so they can sustain their families. Today’s legislation will help us do just that. Clearing the path for our military servicemembers, veterans, and their dependents to enter a licensed profession will help us attract and retain talent in Michigan, and by making it easier for our military servicemembers to be licensed, we can make Michigan their home to live and work, permanently.”

According to a press release announcing the legislation, eligibility is limited to those who “hold a valid occupational license in another state, are in good standing with no pending disciplinary action, and demonstrate competency in their profession through education, training and/or work experience.” The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), which would be responsible for assessing whether applicants are eligible, has committed to processing applications within 48 hours.

For more on CSG Midwest, visit csgmidwest.org.

630.925.1922 • csgm@csg.org

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Illinois state Sen. Elgie Sims introduced an amendment that serves as “trailer legislation” for the SAFE-T Act, a criminal justice reform bill that became law in February, according to Capitol News Illinois. The Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police and the Illinois State Police supported Sims’ amendment, which addresses controversial elements of the SAFE-T act, including police access to body camera footage and language surrounding the use of deadly force.

Wisconsin to See Historic Tax Revenues

Michigan Eases Occupational Licensure for Military Families

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AL / AR / FL / GA / KY / LA / MO / MS / NC / OK / SC / TN / TX / VA / WV

Teacher Pay Raises A new incentive program in Texas will give high-performing educators an opportunity to earn more than $100,000 annually, rewarding them for work in the state’s poorest school districts that have been impacted by COVID-19. By comparison, the statewide average salary for all teachers is slightly below $58,000.

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A new infusion of state funds from the Texas Education Agency’s (TEA) Teacher Incentive Allotment will boost educator stipends using a payout structure that rewards work done by excellent teachers in high-poverty schools. To qualify for the additional funding, districts must submit proposed teacher evaluation guidelines to TEA with plans that include growth measures and classroom observations. Once the state approves an evaluation plan, the district must then share a list of teachers who have received a “recognized,” exemplary” or “master” designation.

To measure teachers’ effectiveness, the state reviews academic growth of students in their classrooms over time, rather than looking only at a single year’s achievement, thereby allowing them to demonstrate success even when students start the year behind their peers.

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In addition to student growth, the state requires classroom observation to be included in a district’s evaluation plan so administrators can see how a teacher manages, engages and supports students. Districts can also include other criteria, like campus leadership or student feedback.

To date, more than 80 districts in Texas have been approved or are in the process to receive funds from the Teacher Incentive Allotment. After the state releases the funds to the school districts, 90% of the money must be spent on qualifying personnel.

For more on CSG South, visit slcatlanta.org.

404.633.1866

Bipartisan Police Reform

Marijuana Legalization

The Florida Legislature passed a bipartisan police reform bill, which covers de-escalation training for law enforcement personnel, limits the use of chokeholds and requires police officers to disclose whether they have ever been investigated for using excessive force. Additionally, under the legislation, police officers will have a duty to intervene if they see another officer using excessive force and, where necessary, will be required to provide medical help in those situations.

The legislation does not include penalties for officers, nor does it abolish qualified immunity that protects officers from certain lawsuits.

The Virginia General Assembly voted to end criminal penalties for simple possession of marijuana beginning July 1, nearly three years sooner than the original bill stipulated. At the request of Gov. Ralph Northam, the House and Senate accelerated the timeline to July, making it legal for adults to possess up to an ounce of marijuana. Adult-use marijuana is permitted only in certain circumstances, with prohibitions remaining on smoking marijuana in public and while driving or on school grounds. Although households will be permitted to grow up to four plants beginning this July as long as they are properly identified, broader legalization with statewide retail will not go into effect until 2024.

Parole Eligibility Expansion Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves signed a criminal justice reform bill to expand parole eligibility for nonviolent criminal offenders. Under the new law, which takes effect July 1, individuals convicted of nonviolent crimes after June 30, 1995, will have an opportunity for a parole hearing after serving at least 25% or 10 years of their sentence. Current law states that a person convicted of a nonviolent crime must serve at least 25% of the sentence, regardless of the length. People convicted of murder, human trafficking and sex crimes will remain ineligible for parole.

Health Care Price Transparency New legislation in Oklahoma will require health care providers to publicly post cash prices for common medical procedures. House Bill 1006 mandates that providers post—online, if possible —the basic cash cost to the patient for commonly performed procedures and services. Providers must include at least the top 20 most common procedures and services, though they can list more if they wish to do so. Listed prices do not have to include additional charges for complications or “exceptional treatment,” nor do they need to include rates negotiated through insurance plans.

Literacy Program The Louisiana Department of Education launched a new initiative aimed at improving literacy among the state’s students. The new program, launched in April, provides resources for educators, families and community leaders to help students advance in reading comprehension and English proficiency. It is part of a broader initiative from state education leaders designed to tackle long-standing problems in Louisiana’s schools, providing clearly defined literacy goals while giving educators and families resources for students to succeed. According to the state’s annual fall reading report, only 40% of Louisiana kindergarteners, 42% of first graders, 48% of second graders and 50% of third graders are on or above grade level in literacy.

AK / AZ / CA / CO / HI / ID / MT / NM / NV / OR / UT / WA / WY / AB / AS / BC / CNMI / GU

Oregon Capitol Staff Unionize

CSG West Annual Meeting Goes to Colorado Springs

Legislative employees in Oregon made history by becoming the first in the nation to unionize, according to ABC News.

Staffers and other employees voted to join the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 89 and will now seek to come to an agreement about wages, scheduling and other issues.

According to ABC, experts expect to see similar actions in other statehouses.

The 74th CSG West Annual Meeting will be hosted Sept. 28–Oct. 1 in Colorado Springs, bringing together state leaders to connect with regional colleagues and to engage relevant topics such as energy, environment, social justice, education, fiscal affairs, health, economic development, trade, water, regional trends and more. Guests will learn from experts during keynote presentations, committee meetings and professional development sessions and participate in international program sessions with lawmakers from Canada and Mexico. Learn more and register at: csgwest.org/annualmeeting.

Nevada Permanently Expands Mail-In Voting A new law in Nevada requires local election officials to mail ballots to all active registered voters prior to elections.

Voters can opt out of mailed ballots if they choose — but if not, they are automatically eligible to cast a ballot by mail. According to Forbes, Nevada is the sixth state to mandate automatic mail-in voting. Meanwhile, according to The Hill, 22 pieces of legislation in 14 states would increase voting restrictions with measures like reduced hours at polling places and reductions in ballot drop boxes.

New Hawaii Laws Add Protections for Marine Life

The 21st Western Legislative Academy will take place Dec. 7-10, 2021 in Colorado Springs. The program offers selected legislators an opportunity to sharpen leadership skills and build regional relationships with legislative peers. Working with faculty from academic, military, and legislative backgrounds, class members engage with one another in a variety of interactive exercises ensuring a learning experience that draws from both faculty and class member expertise.

Class members return to their respective legislatures with new information, skills and relationships designed to help them become more effective legislators and leaders. Learn more at: csgwest.org/legislativeacademy/WesternLegislativeAcademy.aspx.

Suicide is a leading cause of death for Colorado youth and young adults, according to the state’s Department of Public Health & Environment. State leaders are responding with at least $30 million in new funding that would add crisis beds and suicide prevention programs, walk-in crisis centers, mobile crisis centers, staffing and more, according to the Colorado Sun. Other bills passed this session require insurance providers to cover an annual mental health checkup for kids (HB 1068) and allocate funding for online mental health screenings and follow-up sessions for one year (HB 1258).

In May, Children’s Hospital Colorado declared a mental health state of emergency. In a press release, the hospital said isolation and stress caused by the pandemic have exacerbated anxiety and depression in youth and young adults. During the past two years, the hospital has seen a 90% increase in demand for behavioral health treatment.

“Right now, Colorado’s children uniquely need our help,” said Jena Hausmann, the hospital’s CEO. “It has been devastating to see suicide become the leading cause of death for Colorado’s children. For over a decade, Children’s Colorado has intentionally and thoughtfully been expanding our pediatric mental health prevention services, outpatient services and inpatient services, but it is not enough. Now we are seeing our pediatric emergency departments and our inpatient units overrun with kids attempting suicide and suffering from other forms of major mental health illness.”

For more on CSG West, visit csgwest.org.

916.553.4423 • csgw@csg.org

ISSUE 3 2021 | CSG CAPITOL IDEAS

A slate of laws enacted in 2021 address protections for marine life in Hawaii.

Among them is HB 553, which outlaws the deliberate capture, entanglement or killing of sharks in state waters. According to the nonprofit newsroom Civil Beat, the first offense penalty is $500; a third or subsequent offense could cost as much as $10,000. The bill, which failed in previous sessions, was signed on June 8 in honor of the UN-designated World Oceans Day.

Western Legislative Academy to Convene Dec. 7–10

Colorado Lawmakers Address Youth Mental Health

59

State Government

With a total of 60 lawmakers, the A l a s k a legislature is the smallest bicameral state legislature in the U.S. and the second smallest of all state legislatures — only the 49-member unicameral Nebraska legislature is smaller.

Snapshot

As champions of excellence in state government, The Council of State Governments knows the importance of the work that is accomplished by all three branches in Capitol buildings across the U.S. and its territories. Learn more about who is serving now and take a peek into the history of our state houses.

&

2 1

Minnesota

has the largest state Senate with

67 members

New Hampshire

P.B.S. Pinchback

44 women have served as governors in 30 states. Of the 44 women governors, 30

an African , American, was the first minority elected to the office of the governor.

After he was elevated from lieutenant governor in 1872, he served as governor of Louisiana for just under one month before his term ended.

Arizona is the

first state where a woman succeeded another woman as governor and the first state to have four female governors.

ISSUE 3 2021 | CSG CAPITOL IDEAS

has served as governor in Guam

has the largest state House with

400 members

60

women have served as governor in Puerto Rico

Jonathan Jasper Wright was the first Black justice of a

state supreme court in the country.

were first elected in their own right, replaced their husbands and 11 became governor by constitutional succession. 20 states have never elected a woman as governor in her own right.

three

Nellie Tayloe Ross was the first woman elected as governor in 1925. She won the Wyoming special election to replace her deceased husband.

The first Black attorney in Pennsylvania, was appointed to the South Carolina Supreme Court in 1870.

Wright

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For regional information visit: East: csg-erc.org | Midwest: csgmidwest.org South: slcatlanta.org | West: csgwest.org

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