2013 leadership council - council of state governments · several items for future action came up...

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MEETING SUMMARY Presiding: Sen. Gary Stevens, Alaska – CSG Chair

Hyatt Lexington Downtown

February 15-17, 2013 Lexington, Kentucky

Members in Attendance: Sen. Kelvin Atkinson, Nevada Dr. Kathy Berg, Hawaii – MIC3, CSG Affiliate Representative Sen. Eduardo Bhatia, Puerto Rico Sen. Michael Brubaker, Pennsylvania Rep. Bob Damron, Kentucky Presiding Judge Sharon Keller, Texas Sen. Carl Marcellino, New York – CSG Vice Chair Wade Merritt, Maine Rep. Bobby Moak, Mississippi Sen. Mark Norris, Tennessee – CSG Chair-Elect Sen. Julie Rosen, Minnesota Sen. Gary Stevens, Alaska – CSG Chair Guests: Dirk Bloemendaal, Amway Teresa Jennings, Reed Elsevier Rich Leadbeater, ESRI Jay Magure, 1-800-Contacts Stewart Perry, Novo Nordisk Staff in attendance: David Adkins, CSG Norman Arflack, MIC3 Kelley Arnold, CSG Chip Barton, CSG Janet Cantrill, CSG Colleen Cousineau, CSG-South Wendell Hannaford, CSG-East Wade Littrell, CSG Mike McCabe, CSG-Midwest Maggie Mick, CSG Jason Moseley, CSG John Mountjoy, CSG Mike Robinson, CSG Edgar Ruiz, CSG-West Trina Sheets, NEMA Sasha Sutcliffe-Stephenson, CSG-DC

2013 LEADERSHIP COUNCIL

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Members of CSG’s 2013 Leadership Council and leaders from CSG’s national standing committees convened February 15-17, 2013 in Lexington, Kentucky for an organizational orientation and to begin the work of the new Leadership Council. Orientation The group received an in-depth review of CSG’s history, mission and brand as well as a look at and training on key organizational issues, including:

• CSG’s new governance structure • CSG’s organizational structure and reporting lines • Specific duties of Leadership Council members • Training on not-for-profit board member duties, responsibilities and obligations from the University

of Kentucky’s Nonprofit Leadership Center • Briefing on CSG’s legal and risk management procedures from CSG’s Legal Counsel • Briefing on the status of CSG’s finances from CSG’s Chief Financial Officer, including: member

jurisdiction dues, grants and contracts, affiliate organizations, 2012 audit of CSG’s accounts, preview of FY’14 budget

• Briefing on CSG’s human resources services and programming from CSG’s Human resources Director

• Briefing on CSG’s Leadership Center from CSG’s Director of Member, Marketing and Media, including national and regional leadership programs

• Briefing on CSG’s national policy programming and services from CSG’s Director of Policy, Research and Strategic Initiatives

2013-2014 Policy Priorities Following the orientation, Leadership Council members discussed priorities for the headquarters Policy & Research Group and voted unanimously to adopt the following public policy committees for the 2013-2014 biennium:

• Education • Energy & Environment • Fiscal & Economic Development • Health • Transportation

Sen. Kelvin Atkinson (Nev.) made a motion to adopt the proposed slate of public policy committees and his motion was seconded by Rep. Bobby Moak (Miss.). The slate was adopted unanimously by the Leadership Council. Each public policy committee will be staffed by headquarters-based CSG staff and will draft a workplan with appointed committee leaders which will be presented to the Leadership Council during its June meeting. In addition, Chair Sen. Gary Stevens (Alaska) and Chair-Elect Sen. Mark Norris (Tenn.) discussed their intent to advance a two-year policy initiative on federalism that would span both their national leadership terms. The new federalism effort will be a shared theme across the broader CSG organization with specific outputs from CSG’s national meetings and committees as well as special meetings/forums on federalism and interaction with the federal government. CSG staff will develop a work plan spanning 2013-2014 that the Leadership Council will discuss during its meeting in June. National Officer / Leader Duties Members of the Leadership Council reviewed and discussed proposed descriptions of CSG leadership positions, including specific duties and responsibilities for CSG’s national officers as well as committee leaders. Sen. Mark Norris (Tenn.) made a motion to adopt the proposed descriptions of CSG leadership positions and his motion was seconded by Sen. Kelvin Atkinson (Nev.). The descriptions were adopted unanimously by the Leadership Council.

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Executive Director Report David Adkins, CSG’s Executive Director / CEO, provided an update on several issues including: State dues and the adopted dues formula for member jurisdictions Future scheduling of the executive director’s annual performance review FY’13 budget update / FY’14 budget goals HQ staff salary adjustments (COLA / Merit) CSG Headquarters Renovation The Leadership Council received an update on planned renovations to CSG’s facilities in Lexington, Kentucky. The Kentucky Governor and General Assembly allocated $5.5 million to support renovations and upgrades to CSG’s buildings in Lexington. Omni Architects, a Lexington-based firm, won the contract through a Commonwealth of Kentucky bidding process. Erik Zabilka, chief architect and overall program manager, shared with the Leadership Council an overview of the current structures challenges as well as preliminary plans for updating and improving CSG’s 45+ year-old facility. Next Steps / Future Action Items Several items for future action came up during the course of the meeting and the Leadership Council will review and/or take action at its next meeting in June. Mission Statement Members briefly examined the CSG mission statement and directed staff to provide recommendations for sharpening the utility of the current mission statement. Financial Management The new CSG Articles of Organization adopted in December 2012 require the Executive Committee to adopt financial management rules governing the submission of budget recommendations from staff, the investment of CSG funds and other financial controls. The new governance document also requires that the Leadership Council have an opportunity to review CSG’s annual IRS Form 990 prior to its filing.

• CSG’s CFO, in cooperation with the co-chairs of the Finance Committee, will draft new financial management guidelines for review by the Leadership Council at its June meeting, with subsequent submission and approval by the Executive Committee during its meeting in September.

• CSG’s IRS Form 990 will be made available for review by members of the Leadership Council

during its June meeting, if not before.

• CSG’s financial accounts are audited annually by an external firm. In addition to the annual audit report traditionally made available to CSG’s leaders, CSG finance staff will ensure that the auditors are available to meet with Leadership Council members at future meetings.

Member Jurisdiction Dues The new CSG Articles of Organization adopted in December 2012 empower the Executive Committee to determine an equitable dues formula for member jurisdictions. CSG’s member jurisdiction dues are currently calculated by a formula that includes a flat base component, expressed as a dollar amount, and a population-based variable component, expressed as a dollar amount per 1000 residents which is established by statistical information from the United States Census Bureau. The flat base component comprises approximately 49 percent of the dues and the population factor is approximately 51 percent . The CSG population-based component for Fiscal Year 2013 was determined by the 2010 census information and will be adjusted for future years with the most current information available from the

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Census Bureau. The Fiscal Year 2014 population-based component is based on the 2011 estimated census information. The base component for both Fiscal Years 2013 and 2014 is $79,168 and is charged equally to all states. The population variable is $13.61 and is applied per 1,000 residents. The population factor portion of state dues will vary between member states resulting in more populous states paying more than less populous states. The Leadership Council expressed a desire to review and better understand the current member jurisdiction dues formula, the history of CSG’s dues increases/collections and to work more closely with senior CSG staff to develop a dues collection strategy.

• CSG’s CFO will provide a detailed presentation and update on CSG’s member jurisdiction dues during the June meeting, including a history of CSG dues, collection rates and comparisons to other organizations dues and collection rates.

• CSG’s senior staff will present a draft strategy for dues collections for 2013 and 2014 during the

June meeting. CSG FY’14 Budget

• CSG’s senior staff will present a proposed FY’14 budget during the June meeting, with subsequent submission and approval by the Executive Committee during its meeting in September.

CSG HQ Staff Salaries As reported by the Executive Director, CSG’s HQ staff has foregone annual cost of living increases since 2008. While some staff salaries have been increased due to reclassification and performance, the majority of HQ staff has not experienced salary increases. Given CSG’s HQ budget shortfalls over the last several years, not only has staff not received cost of living adjustments, but some 19 positions have been eliminated through consolidation of workflow and streamlining operations. The Executive Director indicated that he would be working to create opportunities to provide a cost of living increase for CSG HQ employees in the next budget.

• Given the plans for CSG’s FY’14 HQ budget and a return to a stabilized positive budget, CSG’s senior staff plans to present a plan for implementing annual cost of living adjustments for HQ-based staff during the June meeting.

Policy Resolution Guidelines The new CSG Articles of Organization adopted in December 2012 require the Executive Committee to adopt policy resolution guidelines prescribing the types and nature of policy resolutions or statements that place CSG on public record with regard to a matter of local, state or federal policy.

• CSG’s Director of Policy & Research, in cooperation with the Chair, Chair-Elect and Executive Director, will draft new policy resolution guidelines for review by the Leadership Council at its June meeting, with subsequent submission and approval by the Executive Committee during its meeting in September.

Federalism Initiative – 2013-2014 Each year CSG’s President and Chair have the opportunity to pursue special policy initiatives or programming to advance a particular topic of interest or to position CSG as a leader in certain programming or issue sets. Past initiatives have included efforts to examine state economic development policy in 2012 under Sen. Jay Emler (Kan.) and the creation of CSG’s National Center for Interstate Compacts in 2004 under Gov. Ruth Ann Minner (Del.). This year, Sen. Gary Stevens (Alaska) and Sen. Mark Norris (Tenn.), CSG’s Chair and Chair-Elect, respectively, have agreed to a joint multi-year CSG initiative focused on federalism and the ways in which

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CSG can advance the position of the states in an ever changing federalism dialogue with the central government. Such an effort will be comprehensive in nature and where possible include CSG’s regions and affiliates. The goals of the initiative are not necessarily to create a special task force or working group or pursue a single outcome, but rather to reinforce the importance of a robust federalism conversation in all of CSG’s programming.

• CSG staff will present a draft scope of work for the multi-year federalism initiative during the Leadership Council’s June meeting, including desired outcomes and details on how federalism will be addressed using CSG’s existing and new platforms.

• CSG staff will draft a policy resolution affirming CSG’s commitment to a robust federalism

dialogue and which will call on the central government to respect the role of the states. A current CSG national policy resolution affirming the 10

th Amendment will expire in May 2013.

• CSG staff will ensure that programming at CSG national meetings features nationally noteworthy

speakers, representatives and/or experts on federalism or state/federal relations, including CSG’s annual Leadership Forum and CSG’s annual National Conference.

Executive Director Review The Leadership Council is charged with reviewing the annual performance of CSG’s Executive Director. This review has traditionally occurred during CSG’s National Conference in the final quarter of each calendar year, though CSG’s fiscal year ends on June 30. In order to synchronize the end of the fiscal year – and the Executive Director’s contract – and the annual performance evaluation of the Executive Director, this performance review will be moved to coincide with the June meeting in 2013 and the annual schedule revised so that future reviews occur in this timeframe.

• Chair Stevens will appoint an Executive Director evaluation committee prior to the June meeting and will convene the group during the meeting to review the Executive Director’s performance.

Exhibit A – 2013-2014 CSG Public Policy Committees

ASSOCIATES & DEVELOPMENT

CSG’s Education Public Policy Committee provides a forum for state leaders to address emerging challenges and issues arising from dynamic educational conditions. Members of the committee focus on emerging trends, innovative and effective solutions, and viable policy positions and response projects. During meetings, committee members may introduce and consider policy resolutions. The committee is designed to encourage multi-state problem solving and sharing of best practices, and to facilitate networking among state officials and between the public and private sectors. Committee priorities are established by CSG’s national leaders in concert with the committee’s membership. Policy Priorities College- and Career-Readiness With the changing face of technology and the critical need for a postsecondary degree or credential, students must possess both content knowledge and the ability to apply those skills in order to succeed and become employable. Businesses and the workforce demand analytical thinkers, problem solvers, effective communicators and team players. State policymakers will be looking at creating rigorous guidelines for schools and districts as they work to radically change the way instruction is provided so that personalized learning is a staple in today’s educational environment. Assessment and Accountability Systems Policymakers are looking to offer flexibility for districts to develop multiple measures of student learning as evidence for course credit, promotion and graduation. Accountability systems can be amended to utilize multiple measures to assess the success of individual schools and districts with a focus on college- and career-readiness measures, including mastery in core subjects, annual student growth, closing achievement gaps among all student groups, attendance and improved graduation rates. Preparation for Teachers and School Leaders In order to adequately prepare students, teachers and school leaders also must be appropriately trained, licensed and evaluated. State policymakers should articulate a comprehensive set of professional standards to ensure teachers and school leaders are equipped to help students graduate college- and career-ready. Teacher training, licensure, evaluation and professional development should align to rigorous state standards. More rigorous teacher pre-service programs can connect with high academic standards so teachers enter the classroom prepared to guide all students to success. They also should have access to ongoing, high-quality, relevant and effective professional development, including research on the ways students learn, personalized learning, new technologies for teaching and learning, innovative teaching methods, inclusive practices and the latest specialized knowledge in the subject area taught. College Completion College access rates are climbing nationally, but completion rates remain stagnant. Because of this, the Obama administration set a goal for the United States to again

CSG PUBLIC POLICY COMMITTEE:

EDUCATION


become the leader in postsecondary degree attainment by 2020. Although this task will not be easy, states are working to increase the number of people who hold a postsecondary degree, certificate or credential. Knowing that college completion is a vital tool for economic success and growth, state policymakers are developing and monitoring completion agendas to ensure students persist to degree attainment. Policy levers include a focus on improving retention rates, easing transfer and articulation among institutions, and targeting data-based strategies to ensure persistence and success. State leaders also must focus on collaboration between legislators, educators and officials at public colleges and universities as they work together to increase production of postsecondary degrees and certificates. Funding Options for Postsecondary Education Linking postsecondary education funding to productivity will be on many state agendas this year. New approaches tie appropriations and individual campus performance in an effort to increase college completion, since funding will connect to degrees instead of simply counting heads. Policymakers should consider formulas that reward student success and completion leading to high-quality graduates that meet demands of the workforce. Policy targets must include a clear identification of the funding source and use of existing allocations with a balance between money awarded for completion and those funds received from tuition. States should consider rewarding institutions that succeed with underserved populations, and focusing on institutions that improve degree and certificate attainment, while giving attention to those that achieve momentum points that demonstrate students are progressing toward graduation. Key Staff Pam Goins - Director of Education Policy / (859) 244-8142 / [email protected]

POLICY ACADEMY: NATURAL GAS

Preliminary Agenda

CSG’s Energy and Environmental Public Policy Committee provides a forum for state leaders to address emerging challenges and issues arising from dynamic energy-related and environmental conditions. Members of the committee focus on emerging trends, innovative and effective solutions, and viable policy positions and response projects. During meetings, committee members may introduce and consider policy resolutions. The committee is designed to encourage multi-state problem solving and sharing of best practices, and to facilitate networking among state officials and between the public and private sectors. Committee priorities are established by CSG’s national leaders in concert with the committee’s membership. Policy Priorities The Future of Coal The precipitous decline of coal-fired power in the nation’s electricity generation has been stunning. A combination of historically cheap prices for once expensive natural gas and a series of stringent EPA air regulations will create new challenges to the coal industry and the states that rely on it for power and revenue—especially severance taxes. Although coal is still the largest source of electric power for the country, federal data showed that last year’s warm winter and historically cheap natural gas prices has led to increased fuel-switching by utilities to meet base load requirements. In addition, tough rules issued by the EPA to improve air quality could accelerate the decline of coal in the nation’s energy mix. Domestic market and regulatory limits have many in the mining industry looking to overseas export markets, and the industry is expected to break export records by the end of 2012. Clean Water Act Legal Action and States 2013 is shaping up to be a big year for water issues in the states. The U.S. Supreme Court has heard oral arguments on two cases that deal with storm water runoff. CSG has supported friend of the court briefings in Decker v. Northwestern Environmental Defense Center and L.A. County v. Natural Resources Defense Council. At issue in the Decker case is whether states will be required to obtain a Clean Water Act permit for ditches and channels on the logging road they manage. In L.A. County v. Natural Resources Defense Council, CSG’s brief urges the court to uphold a precedent affirming that transporting water between two sections of the same water body does not constitute a discharge requiring a federal permit. Policymakers also will be following the outcome of ongoing litigation forcing the EPA to set “numeric nutrient” standards to manage runoff linked to hypoxic or dead zones in the Gulf of Mexico, and the current interim guidance used by federal regulators to determine jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act. Energy Infrastructure Hardening The Northeast and mid-Atlantic states are still feeling the toll of Hurricane Sandy, with total insured losses exceeding $20 billion. Tens of thousands of people were still without power weeks after the storm, prompting many customers to push for greater resiliency in the electric power systems. Upgrades like burying power lines, however, are


ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT

POLICY ACADEMY: NATURAL GAS extremely expensive, costing more than $2 million a mile in urban areas, according to industry estimates. Many states are likely to consider new requirements for electric generators at critical infrastructure points—including key gas stations—to prevent future fuel shortages, as well as grapple with the high cost of repairing energy infrastructure. Effectively Managing the Energy Wave Domestic crude oil production surged to a 15-year high in the fall of 2012. A high-profile report issued by the International Energy Agency estimated the U.S. could become a net exporter of natural gas by 2020, and essentially energy independent by 2035. Expanded horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing is occurring in many rural areas unaccustomed to the strain put on local roads, housing, schools and infrastructure. States should be prepared for the cyclical nature of energy price fluctuations and think carefully about the impacts newfound oil and gas revenue will have both in good times and lean budget years. More EPA Air Regulations State policymakers should be on the lookout for potential final rulemakings from the EPA related to ozone, greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel plants and particulate matter emissions. Public health and environmental groups have strenuously pushed for the new rules, which they contend will help prevent thousands of deaths and respiratory illness annually, but industry groups have opposed them due to their potential economic impact. Key Staff Brydon Ross - Director of Energy & Environmental Policy / (859) 244-8030 / [email protected]

FINANCE

CSG’s Fiscal & Economic Development Public Policy Committee provides a forum for state leaders to address emerging challenges and issues arising from dynamic fiscal, tax and economic development policy conditions in the states. Members of the committee focus on emerging trends, innovative and effective solutions, and viable policy positions and response projects. During meetings, committee members may introduce and consider policy resolutions. The committee is designed to encourage multi-state problem solving and sharing of best practices, and to facilitate networking among state officials and between the public and private sectors. Committee priorities are established by CSG’s national leaders in concert with the committee’s membership. Policy Priorities Fiscal Threats from Above An estimated 34.7 percent of state spending came from federal funds in 2010, up significantly from 26.3 percent in 2008. That big jump is largely due to the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, but the pattern remains similar regardless of Recovery Act funding—the percentage of total state spending from federal sources has been growing. An increased reliance on federal funding leaves states particularly vulnerable to political volatility at the federal level in 2013 and beyond, much as the fiscal cliff and debt ceiling debates of 2012 illustrated. That volatility could threaten federal funding streams for education, infrastructure development, health care and entitlement programs—such as unemployment benefit extensions—potentially leaving states to pick up the pieces at a moment’s notice. Slow Revenue Recovery—but Recovery State revenues started to collectively rebound in 2011 and 2012, while rainy day fund balances were being restored; that should continue in 2013. According to the latest State Revenue Report from the Rockefeller Institute of Government, states’ tax collections had grown for 10 straight quarters as of June 2012, but even at a steady, slow growth rate, total state tax collections are still below 2008 peak levels. According to the National Association of State Budget Officers’ Fall 2012 edition of the Fiscal Survey of States, states overall can expect a similar pattern in 2013—slow, but relatively steady increases in revenue for most states, tracking trends in the national economy. Estimated revenues in enacted fiscal 2013 budgets predict that revenues will increase by 3.9 percent over fiscal 2012, although growth rates are uneven across states with 21 states still forecasting lower general fund revenues in fiscal 2013 when compared to prerecession levels. Medicaid The end of Recovery Act funds made 2012 another difficult year for countercyclical programs—particularly Medicaid—as demand for these services remains high and costs continue to grow. Medicaid will continue to be a major budgetary issue for states as overall health care costs and enrollment continues to rise, even before the expanded eligibility requirements of the Affordable Care Act are fully implemented. In 2011,


FISCAL & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

FINANCE

Medicaid represented the single largest portion of state spending, estimated to account for 23.6 percent of total spending, according to the National Association of State Budget Officers. Expect states to continue to look for ways to control Medicaid spending while delivering more services to more people, through programs such as managed care. Current and Retired Employee Health Care Costs Underfunded and increasing state retiree health benefits will be a major concern for states in 2013. According to the Pew Center on the States, only 5 percent of states have the funds needed to pay for their retirees’ health care and other non-pension benefits, like life insurance. That includes 17 states with no money set aside to cover retiree health care liabilities. Where reforming pension systems to be more sustainable was a key focus of states in the past few years, addressing current and retired employee health care costs will be an area of increasing concern for state leaders in 2013 and beyond. Rethinking Development As state leaders return to work, one question has been and will continue to be on their minds: What policies can we pursue that will jumpstart economic growth in our state now and build an environment that encourages growth for tomorrow? Some states will continue overhauling their approaches to economic development, such as evaluating and reforming business incentive systems and overall business tax climate, as a means to stimulate job growth in 2013. Others will look for opportunities to put people back to work through innovative workforce development strategies, regulatory systems assessments and infrastructure development projects—particularly if federal funds become available. Expect states to take a closer look at the cost-effectiveness of providing specialized tax and financial incentives to businesses, especially as the topic gets more attention from the media and watchdog groups. Key Staff Jennifer Burnett - Senior Program Manager – Fiscal & Economic Development Policy / (859) 244-8114 / [email protected]


CSG’s Health Public Policy Committee provides a forum for state leaders to address emerging challenges and issues arising from dynamic health policy conditions and changes in the states. Members of the committee focus on emerging trends, innovative and effective solutions, and viable policy positions and response projects. During meetings, committee members may introduce and consider policy resolutions. The committee is designed to encourage multi-state problem solving and sharing of best practices, and to facilitate networking among state officials and between the public and private sectors. Committee priorities are established by CSG’s national leaders in concert with the committee’s membership. Policy Priorities Medicaid: Affording Current Programs and Expanding Eligibility Medicaid has replaced K-12 education spending as the biggest budget item in almost all states. The slow recovery from the Great Recession means more people than ever are eligible for the program and the enhanced matching rates provided by the federal stimulus package have expired. Health care cost increases, though slowed somewhat in very recent years, still outpace both overall inflation and growth in state revenues. After years of budget cuts forced by the recession of 2008, state policymakers are anxious to increase spending in a number of priority policy areas and to minimize the growth of Medicaid budgets. States are looking to achieve savings in their Medicaid programs through expanded managed care, payment reforms, patient-centered health homes, and elimination of fraud and abuse. The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision on the Affordable Care Act squarely placed the decision on states whether to expand Medicaid eligibility to 138 percent of the federal poverty level. Despite requests from a number of governors to expand to lower levels of the federal poverty level, the Obama administration stands firm that states will not receive the three years of 100 percent federal funding—decreasing to 90 percent by 2020—unless they fully expand eligibility to all people under 138 percent of the federal poverty level. States also are casting a wary eye on the deficit debate in Washington, D.C., and are unconvinced that states will not end up bearing a larger Medicaid burden. Mental Health and Violence Prevention Following the tragic massacre in Newtown, CT, on December 14, 2012, state legislators will be called on to examine their states’ mental health service systems and laws. In some states, this examination will occur in concert with a similar review of guns laws and in other states it may be the sole response to the Newtown shooting. Legislators also may look at legal provisions to prevent persons with mental illness from purchasing guns and commitment laws to force treatment for persons with severe mental illness who may become violent.


HEALTH


Health Insurance Exchanges States that decided to run state-based exchanges made that commitment in 2012, but the heavy lifting comes in 2013 as they prepare for open enrollment in late 2013 and plan coverage beginning Jan. 1, 2014. States will face pressure to operate a health insurance exchange in partnership with the federal government—which they can decide to do until Feb. 15, 2013—rather than deferring completely to a federally run exchange. Many states also will need to amend health insurance laws to come into compliance with guaranteed-issue, modified community rating and other ACA health insurance requirements. Health Workforce Adequacy The shortage of health care providers that already plagues rural areas and underserved urban neighborhoods will be exacerbated as more individuals gain health insurance coverage and seek access to services. State policymakers will be engaged in debates around scope of practice, increased professional training through new medical schools and residencies, and efficiency measures, such as telemedicine, electronic health records and networks. Promoting Healthy Behaviors The science is clear that certain behaviors—eating better and less, exercising some or more, and not smoking—would prevent or postpone the symptoms of chronic disease and drive down health care costs. Policymakers are increasingly interested in exploring incentive programs to promote health—both programs that incentivize positive behaviors and programs that penalize state employees and Medicaid program enrollees for unhealthy behaviors. Private-sector employers report savings from wellness programs. Key Staff Debra Miller - Director of Health Policy / (859) 244-8241 / [email protected]


CSG’s Transportation Public Policy Committee provides a forum for state leaders to address emerging challenges and issues arising from dynamic transportation and infrastructure policy conditions in the states. Members of the committee focus on emerging trends, innovative and effective solutions, and viable policy positions and response projects. During meetings, committee members may introduce and consider policy resolutions. The committee is designed to encourage multi-state problem solving and sharing of best practices, and to facilitate networking among state officials and between the public and private sectors. Committee priorities are established by CSG’s national leaders in concert with the committee’s membership. Policy Priorities Implementation of MAP-21 MAP-21, the two-year transportation bill approved by Congress in June 2012, included a number of substantial changes that are likely to impact state governments in 2013. States were called on to play a significant role in establishing performance measures to help make progress toward national performance goals. The bill dramatically expanded the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act program, which provides federal credit assistance for transportation projects of national and regional significance. Perhaps most importantly, by funding programs for two years at current levels, the legislation brought with it some degree of certainty for states after enduring multiple short-term extensions of the previous bill. A Post-MAP-21 Game Plan for Financing Transportation MAP-21 did not provide a long-term blueprint for the federal transportation program. Increased fuel efficiency, the impact of inflation and other factors have taken their toll on gas tax revenues. Since 2008, Congress has had to transfer $55 billion from the general fund to the Highway Trust Fund, including more than $12.5 billion in MAP-21. A lack of agreement in Washington over long-term financing of the federal program was one reason MAP-21 was so long in the works and relatively short in duration compared to previous authorization bills. State governments in 2013 will want to make sure Congress makes progress toward a successor to MAP-21 that arrives on time in 2014 and with a long-term plan. A perpetual cycle of short-term extensions and general fund transfers could mean long-term transportation planning and transformative projects get neglected in the years ahead. New State Revenues for Transportation A substantial number of states appear poised to seek new transportation revenues in 2013. Increasing state gas taxes, indexing them to inflation, increasing license and registration fees, and expanding tolling are all likely to get a look from state legislatures in 2013. While states like Maryland, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Virginia will take another whack at the piñata in 2013 after somewhat mixed results in years past, another round of states—including Minnesota, West Virginia and Wisconsin—will seek a way


TRANSPORTATION


forward in the newly presented recommendations of transportation funding commissions. Oregon and other states continue to research what some believe could be an eventual replacement for the gas tax—mileage fees. Many states also continue to pursue public-private partnerships to finance transportation projects. Preparedness for the Panama Canal Expansion A newly widened Panama Canal, expected to open in 2014, will bring larger ships to Atlantic and Gulf coast ports and could dramatically reshape cargo and freight traffic patterns across the country. 2013 will be an important year for ensuring America’s infrastructure is prepared for the shift. The dredging of harbors to allow for the larger ships and the upgrading of coastal and even inland port facilities are just two items on the to-do list. Convincing a Skeptical Public The concept of crumbling infrastructure fails to register for many Americans. If their daily commute doesn’t include large potholes and frequent traffic tie-ups, they may fail to see the need for increased investment in infrastructure. It often takes something on the order of a bridge collapse or a Hurricane Sandy-like disaster for infrastructure to even get much attention as an issue. But 2013 will bring plenty of new data on what America’s infrastructure needs are. The American Society of Civil Engineers will issue its latest Report Card for America’s Infrastructure in March. The organization’s last report in 2009 graded America’s infrastructure a D and said the nation currently spends only about half of what is needed to maintain it. Key Staff Sean Slone - Director of Transportation Policy / (859) 244-8234 / [email protected]

Exhibit B – Duties of CSG Leaders

CSG National President, revised Feb. 2013

THE COUNCIL OF STATE GOVERNMENTS

NATIONAL PRESIDENT

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Provides leadership and direction to The Council of State Governments.

• Enables other CSG leaders and members to fulfill their responsibilities for the

governance and strategic direction of the organization.

• In cooperation with the Chair and CEO / executive director, ensures that CSG is run in

accordance with its Articles of Organization, adopted rules/guidelines and that the

organization adheres to the highest ethical standards.

• Provide outreach to member jurisdictions and funders or potential funders to help secure

the resources needed to fund CSG.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Prepare for, attend and preside at meetings of the CSG Governing Board.

• Ensure that discretions and decisions, whether taken between meetings or at meetings,

are properly executed.

• Prepare for and attend meetings of the CSG Executive Committee and Leadership

Council.

• In cooperation with the CEO / executive director advise the programming of CSG’s

national meetings and conferences.

• In cooperation with other CSG national leaders and the CEO / executive director, take

responsibility for the preparation and development of CSG’s public policy and business

priorities.

• Ensure that the CSG Executive Committee and Leadership Council have considered the

views of all the stakeholders of CSG, including its members, partners and sponsors.

• Ensure that positive relationships with advisers, partners and sponsors are maintained

and, where appropriate, enhanced.

• Conduct outreach to current and potential partners and sponsors for the purpose of

securing financial support for CSG initiatives and activities.

• Work to zealously guard CSG’s status as a valued, neutral, non-partisan

convener/facilitator of state officials so that all state leaders, regardless of party or

political ideology, may have the opportunity to fully participate in CSG programs and

meetings.

CSG National President, revised Feb. 2013

• Serve as an ambassador for CSG with other elected state officials, work to garner

support for and participation in CSG and represent CSG as a spokesperson when

appropriate.

• Work to recruit talented individuals to participate as leaders in CSG and for selection as

CSG Henry Toll Fellows.

• Provide guidance and advice to the CEO / executive director and CSG Executive

Committee and Leadership Council as appropriate.

• Execute resolutions duly approved by CSG and have such resolutions presented to the

appropriate parties and institutions.

• Represent the views of the CSG Governing Board, Executive Committee and

Leadership Council in meetings and correspondence.

• Underwrite travel expenses and incidental costs of serving as a CSG leader, as needed.

CSG National Chair, revised Feb. 2013


NATIONAL CHAIR

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS




• In cooperation with the CEO / executive director, ensures that CSG is run in accordance

with its Articles of Organization, adopted rules/guidelines and that the organization

adheres to the highest ethical standards.




• Prepare for, attend and preside at meetings of the CSG Executive Committee and

Leadership Council.



• At the direction of the CSG Leadership Council, create such public policy committees as

may be necessary to execute the policy program and services of the organization and in

consultation with the Chair-Elect, appoint such members as may be necessary to lead

CSG’s standing and public policy committees.

• Ensure that CSG standing committees and public policy committees carry out their work

in accordance with their established goals and priorities, including reporting progress to

the CSG Executive Committee and Leadership Council.

• In cooperation with other CSG national leaders and the CEO / executive director, take

responsibility for the preparation and development of CSG’s public policy and business

priorities.

• Ensure that the CSG Executive Committee and Leadership Council have considered the

views of all the stakeholders of CSG, including its members, partners and sponsors.

• Ensure that plans for suitable communications with members, partners, sponsors and

other parties are in place.

• Ensure that CSG is compliant with relevant federal, state and local laws, codes and

regulations and that CSG is adhering to its adopted guidelines and codes of practice.









meetings.

• Serve as an ambassador for CSG with other elected state officials and work to garner

support for and participation in CSG.



• Liaise with the CEO / executive director, general counsel and chief financial officer to

ensure that:

o CSG’s annual accounts, returns and financial audit are completed in a timely

fashion.

o Any complaints in relation to CSG are appropriately handled in a timely fashion.

o Any potentially significant adverse events relating to CSG are reported to the

relevant authority in accordance with the Articles of Organization or other

organizational rules or guidelines.

o Ensure that annual CSG budgets are appropriately estimated and monitored.

o Ensure that copies of CSG Governing Board, Executive Committee and

Leadership Council papers and records of meetings are stored in secure facilities

for the period determined by such organizational governance bodies.

• Ensure that the performance of the CSG Executive Committee and Leadership Council

is regularly evaluated and that the CEO / executive director receives an annual

performance review.

• Convene members of the CSG Executive Committee and Leadership Council to

evaluate and establish an appropriate schedule of dues for member jurisdictions.



• Execute resolutions duly approved by CSG and have such resolutions presented to the

appropriate parties and institutions.




• Represent the National Headquarters at meetings of CSG’s regions and affiliates as

needed.


CSG National President-Elect, revised Feb. 2013


NATIONAL PRESIDENT-ELECT

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• In consultation and cooperation with the President, provides leadership and direction to

The Council of State Governments.

• In support of, and working cooperatively with the President and the CEO / executive

director, ensures that CSG is run in accordance with its Articles of Organization, adopted

rules/guidelines and that the organization adheres to the highest ethical standards.




• Prepare for, attend and in the absence of the President preside at meetings of the CSG

Governing Board.








meetings.










CSG National Chair-Elect, revised Feb. 2013


NATIONAL CHAIR-ELECT

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• In consultation and cooperation with the Chair, provides leadership and direction to The

Council of State Governments.

• Provides leadership and direction to CSG’s 21st Century Foundation.

• Provides leadership and direction to CSG’s Associates Advisory Committee.

• In support of, and working cooperatively with the Chair and the CEO / executive director,

ensures that CSG is run in accordance with its Articles of Organization, adopted





• Prepare for, attend and in the absence of the Chair preside at meetings of the CSG

Executive Committee and Leadership Council.

• Prepare for, attend and preside at meetings of the Board of Trustees of CSG’s 21st

Century Foundation.

• Ensure that discretions and decisions pertaining to CSG’s 21st Century Foundation,

whether taken between meetings or at meetings, are properly executed.

• Prepare for, attend and preside at meetings of the CSG Associates Advisory Committee.

• Ensure that discretions and decisions pertaining to CSG’s Associates Advisory

Committee, whether taken between meetings or at meetings, are properly executed.

• In consultation with the Chair, appoint such members as may be necessary to lead

CSG’s standing and public policy committees.








meetings.

CSG National Chair-Elect, revised Feb. 2013










CSG National Vice President, revised Feb. 2013


NATIONAL VICE PRESIDENT

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• In consultation and cooperation with the President and President-Elect, provides

leadership and direction to The Council of State Governments.

• In support of, and working cooperatively with the President, President-Elect and the

CEO / executive director, ensures that CSG is run in accordance with its Articles of

Organization, adopted rules/guidelines and that the organization adheres to the highest

ethical standards.




• Prepare for, attend and in the absence of the President and President-Elect preside at

meetings of the CSG Governing Board.








meetings.










CSG National Vice Chair, revised Feb. 2013


NATIONAL VICE CHAIR

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• In consultation and cooperation with the Chair and Chair-Elect, provides leadership and

direction to The Council of State Governments.

• In consultation and cooperation with the Chair-Elect, provides leadership and direction to

CSG’s 21st Century Foundation.

• In support of, and working cooperatively with the Chair, Chair-Elect and the CEO /

executive director, ensures that CSG is run in accordance with its Articles of

Organization, adopted rules/guidelines and that the organization adheres to the highest

ethical standards.




• Prepare for, attend and in the absence of the Chair and Chair-Elect preside at meetings

of the CSG Executive Committee and Leadership Council.

• Prepare for, attend and in the absence of the Chair-Elect preside at meetings of the

Board of Trustees of CSG’s 21st Century Foundation.








meetings.







CSG National Vice Chair, revised Feb. 2013




CSG Immediate Past National President, revised Feb. 2013


IMMEDIATE PAST NATIONAL PRESIDENT

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS




• Provides advice and counsel to the President and the CEO / executive director as they

seek to ensure that CSG is run in accordance with its Articles of Organization, adopted












meetings.










CSG Immediate Past National Chair, revised Feb. 2013


IMMEDIATE PAST NATIONAL CHAIR

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS




• In consultation and cooperation with the Chair-Elect, provides leadership and direction to

CSG’s Associates Advisory Committee.

• Provides advice and counsel to the Chair and the CEO / executive director as they seek

to ensure that CSG is run in accordance with its Articles of Organization, adopted





• Prepare for, attend and in the absence of the Chair-Elect preside at meetings of the

CSG Associates Advisory Committee.








meetings.







CSG Immediate Past National Chair, revised Feb. 2013




CSG Committee Leadership, revised Feb. 2013


COMMITTEE LEADERSHIP

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Provides leadership and direction to The Council of State Governments and to the

standing or public policy committee to which they’ve been appointed.

• Enables others to fulfill their committee membership responsibilities.

• In cooperation with the national leadership, CEO / executive director, and other staff

ensures that their committee is run in accordance with CSG’s Articles of Organization,

adopted rules/guidelines and that they and their committee adheres to the highest

ethical standards.


• Prepare for, attend and preside at meetings of the CSG committee to which they’ve

been appointed.



• Establish a biennial workplan with clear and attainable goals. Such a workplan should

include guidance from the CSG Leadership Council, committee membership, and CSG

staff.

• Ensure that their appointed committee carries out their work in accordance with the

established goals, priorities and guidelines as established by the CSG Executive

Committee and Leadership Council.

• Provide updates and progress reports as needed to the CSG Executive Committee and

Leadership Council.

• Ensure that their committee has, when appropriate, considered the views of all the

stakeholders of CSG, including its members, partners and sponsors.




meetings.

• Ensure that plans for suitable communications with members, partners, sponsors and

other parties are in place.

CSG Committee Leadership, revised Feb. 2013





• Represent the views of their committee before the CSG Governing Board, Executive

Committee and Leadership Council, in other meetings and through official

correspondence.

2013 leadership council - council of state governments · several items for future action came up...

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