Pew at NCSL Legislative Summit

Boston

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We look forward to seeing you at the NCSL Legislative Summit in Boston! Please visit Booth 545 in the exhibit hall to learn about The Pew Charitable Trusts’ work in all 50 states and meet policy experts on issues including fiscal and economic policy, public pensions, evidence-based policymaking, and health policy.

Meet Pew experts

Our experts will be available to meet with you during the conference. Visit Booth 545 or email us to arrange a one-on-one meeting to discuss consumer finance policy, data as a strategic asset, evidence-based policymaking, environmental policy, fiscal and economic policy, health policy, public pensions, or public safety. Pew experts available at the summit.

Panel sessions

Attend these sessions to hear from Pew experts:

Flood Insurance: What Changes Will Float to the Top?

Aug. 7, 8:45-10 a.m.
152

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is set to expire in September and bills have been introduced in Congress to overhaul the program and encourage private companies to step in. What will the NFIP look like moving forward?

Panelists:

Velma Smith, The Pew Charitable Trusts
Robert “Ned” Dolese, Coastal America Insurance Co.
Donald Griffin, Property Casualty Insurers Association of America
Jennifer Webb, Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America
Roy Wright, deputy associate administrator for insurance and mitigation, Federal Emergency Management Agency

Treating Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders

Aug. 7, 1:30-3 p.m.
157ABC

The opioid epidemic shines a national spotlight on treatment needs for drug misuse, and also on a wider population of people with other substance addictions and/or mental illness. State innovations show promise in improving access and treatment for these conditions. Learn more about integrating mental health and substance misuse treatment with other health services and improving insurance coverage.

Speaker:

Cynthia Reilly, The Pew Charitable Trusts

Panelists:

Daniel Blaney-Koen, American Medical Association
Utah state Representative Steve Eliason (R)
Debbie Plotnick, Mental Health America
Utah state Senator Daniel W. Thatcher (R)

Measuring Risk in Pension Plans

Aug. 8, 2:15-3:30 p.m.
254AB

Since 2000, investment losses and other risks have helped create significant gaps in some states’ pension funding. New tools are available to better understand the effect various types of market and benefit changes can have on pension plan funding levels. Learn how state policymakers can stress test their plans and make changes to keep ahead of funding challenges.

Speakers:

Susan Banta, The Pew Charitable Trusts
Graham Schmidt, Cheiron Inc.
John Sugden, S&P Global Ratings

Retiree Health Benefits

Aug. 8, 3:45-5 p.m.
254AB

Retiree health benefits are an important part of attracting and retaining a talented workforce. States vary widely in their retiree health promises—in funding levels, benefits offered and legal protections. In most states these benefits are unfunded and liabilities continue to grow. With states now required to account for these liabilities in their financial statements, find out what they are doing to address these concerns.

Speakers:

Greg Mennis, The Pew Charitable Trusts
Amy Monahan, University of Minnesota Law School
David Vaudt, Governmental Accounting Standards Board

Preparing for Natural Disasters

Aug. 9, 9:30-10:45 a.m.
151AB

Natural disasters take a toll on states and their budgets and cuts in federal support for mitigation activities and disaster relief have been proposed. Discuss building codes, intergovernmental collaboration and other strategies that can make your state more resilient without breaking the bank.

Moderator:

Anne Stauffer, The Pew Charitable Trusts

Speakers:

Hadi Sedigh, National Association of Counties
Colorado state Representative Jonathan Singer (D)
Ellen Vaughan, Environmental and Energy Study Institute

Digging Out of Student Loan Debt

Aug. 9, 9:30-10:45 a.m.
153ABC

The cost of college and the complexity of student lending have the potential to hinder rather than help many Americans’ financial security and economic mobility. More than a quarter of student loan borrowers are in delinquency or default. Explore who struggles most with repayment and discuss federal and state strategies to help these borrowers.

Speakers:

Sarah Sattelmeyer, The Pew Charitable Trusts
Rajeev Darolia, University of Kentucky
Connecticut state Representative Matthew L. Lesser (D)

Smart on Crime

Aug. 9, 9:30-10:45 a.m.
102AB

Instead of responses that criminalize juvenile delinquency and impose lengthy prison sentences, the new approach is to invest in community-based alternatives that protect public safety, reduce recidivism and effectively manage costs. Explore the changing attitudes and learn about smart on crime policies.

Panelists: