CSG Midwest

What are some of the key policy trends affecting this region’s states and their lawmakers?
One way to find out – and to stay informed throughout the year -- is by signing up for one or more of the many electronic newsletters published by the staff at CSG Midwest. Newsletters are offered on a broad range of policy issues – from agriculture and energy to economic development and health care. CSG Midwest also has e-newsletters tracking the latest developments in regional passenger rail, radioactive waste transportation and Great Lakes policy. To sign up for any of these newsletters, please click here.

Economic woes spark talk of new fiscal crisis for states
November 13 - This month’s cover story of Stateline Midwest looks at current and future fiscal conditions in the states in light of the current national economic downturn. Other stories in the November edition examine the potential impact of pending U.S. Supreme Court decisions on states, analyze efforts in Indiana to improve math and science education, and explore the legislative push for new “distracted driving” laws. Also included are a profile of Minnesota House Majority Leader Tony Sertich and a FirstPerson article by Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland on his state’s effort to keep residents from losing their homes to foreclosure.

Firstline Midwest explores rural health care
November 13 - Among the many challenges faced by residents of rural areas is securing access to quality health care. State policymakers in the Midwest are working to improve access to services in the region’s rural areas by promoting telemedicine, strengthening the medical workforce and supporting community health centers.

Click here to read the November issue of Firstline Midwest.

Midwestern legislators complete leadership training

September 4 - On August 12, 36 legislators form the Midwestern region completed five days of intense training at the 14th annual Bowhay Institute for Legislative Leadership Development (BILLD). The 2008 BILLD class consisted of lawmakers from the Midwestern Legislative Conference's 11-member state and three Canadian provincial affiliates. The agenda included professional development seminars, leadership training sessions and policy workshops — all designed to help newer legislators hone their skills and become more effective lawmakers. Each year, the BILLD Steering Committee awards fellowships through a competitive, nonpartisan application process. Applications for the 2009 Bowhay Institute will be available in December.

MLC releases report on region's state health care reform strategies

July 15 - State strategies to contain health care costs and reform health systems are the focus of a new Midwestern Legislative Conference (MLC) report, which was released this week in conjunction with the nonpartisan association’s four-day meeting in Rapid City.

Using case studies from each of the 11 Midwestern states, the report examines several key health care issues and highlights innovative efforts being implemented or explored in the region.

“Our nation’s health care system is ripe for transformation, innovation and reform, and as the case studies in this report show, this region and its policymakers can help lead the way,” says South Dakota Senate Assistant Majority Leader Tom Dempster, chair of the MLC.

Practitioners of Change: Regional Case Studies in State Health Reform and Cost Containment is part of a special Chair’s Initiative by Dempster to focus the MLC’s attention on state health reform efforts across the region. It was unveiled on Tuesday during a session on health care reform at the MLC Annual Meeting.