Date & Time

Session

Location

Tuesday,

March 20, 2012

8:30 a – 5:30 p

(Unaffiliated Group)

8:30 a – 3:45 pm:  DLGA Meeting & Conference

4:00 – 5:30 pm:     DLGA Reception 

Natl. Assn. of Home Builders, 1201 15^th St. NW, Washington DC

7:00 pm  

(Unaffiliated group)

7:00 pm  RLGA Reception

7:30 pm  RLGA Dinner   

 

PJ Clarke’s, 1600 “K” Street, Washington DC

Wednesday,

March 21, 2012

7:45 a – 3:15 p

NLGA Registration

Coffee and Muffins available to all attendees from 7:45 – 8:30 am

Westin, Grand  Ballroom Foyer

8:00 – 8:30 am 

NLGA Collegial Breakfast – Private  (No staff, No CAPs, No Press) 

Lt. Governors & Secretaries of State Only

(Eggs, bacon, yogurt)

Westin, Grand Ballroom A

8:30 – 8:45 am

NLGA Opening Session

     Roll Call of the States
     Welcome by the NLGA Chair Lt. Governor Rick Sheehy (NE)

     Pledge of Allegiance

     Introduce CAPs who are Committed Annual Meeting sponsors

     Announcements     

Lt. Governor Rick Sheehy, Nebraska

Westin, Grand Ballroom B-C

8:45 – 9:50 a

NLGA Panel:  “Debt & Dollars Issues in D.C. and the States”

The Great Recession remains the top issue for states and territories as the foreclosure crisis continues, support from the federal government changes, and unfunded public retirement liability persists.  The first speaker will address the largest joint federal-state civil settlement in the nation’s history leveraging $25-billion from the nation's largest mortgage servicers to provide homeowner relief by requiring banks to reduce the principal on many loans and refinance loans for underwater borrowers.  States will receive more than $2-billion to fund consumer protection and state foreclosure protection efforts.  Next, the Congressional Budget Office will provide a budget and economic outlook for Fiscal Years 2012 – 2022 with an emphasis on the immediate and coming cuts in federal funding to states as a result of inaction by the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction.  Finally, a former Democratic Acting Governor and lieutenant governor will discuss efforts of one Foundation to address the “accumulation of unfunded liabilities” in state pension plans.    

• General Counsel Helen Kanovsky, U.S. Housing & Urban Development 
• Assoc. Director for Economic Analysis Jeffrey Kling, Congressional Budget Office
• Former Pennsylvania Lt. Governor Mark Singel, The Winter Group & the Laura & John Arnold Foundation

Moderator:  Lt. Governor Elizabeth Roberts, Rhode Island

NLGA East Region-at-Large Executive Committee member

Westin, Grand Ballroom B-C

10:00 – 11:00 a

Private  Lt. Governors & Secretaries of State Only (No Press) 

NLGA Keynote:  White House IGA

 

Westin, Grand Ballroom B-C

11:10 a – Noon

*  Bi-Partisan Coin-Flip *

NLGA Co-Keynote:  “Identifying Issue Priorities & Key Concerns of the Nation’s Constituents”

Experts from two of the nation’s most widely respected survey research and communications strategy firms will identify the key concerns and issue priorities of the nation’s constituents.  They will provide tips for framing a message on some of the top issues.  The order they speak in will be determined bi-partisanly – by a coin flip as the session begins!  The moderator will pose the first follow-up question in Q&A asking each for a brief prognostication on the 2012 Presidential race and party control outcome of the US House and US Senate.   

• President Ed Goeas, The Tarrance Group
• President Celinda Lake, Lake Research

Moderator:  Lt. Gov. Rick Sheehy, Nebraska, NLGA Chair

Westin, Grand Ballroom B-C

Noon – 12:45 p

NLGA Panel:   The States’ Role in 21^st Century Technology

This panel will focus on the role of states and territories in helping move key parts of constituents’ daily lives into the information age.  Attendees will hear about efforts to bring both fixed and mobile broadband coverage to rural America.  The federal leader in educational technology will detail what role states may play in advancing digital textbooks and other technology in schools.  And, the nation’s coordinator for health information technology will highlight the status of health information technology adaption and its implications for constituents.

·         Director Karen Cator, Office of Educational Technology, US Dept. of Education

·         Dr. Farzad Mostashari, National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, U.S. Health & Human Services

Moderator:  Lt. Governor Bill Bolling, Virginia,

NLGA Ex-Officio Chair & Executive Committee member  (invited)  

Westin, Grand Ballroom B-C

12:45 – 1:15 p

NLGA All Attendee Lunch

(Chicken, pasta, soup)

Westin, Grand  Ballroom A

1:15 – 2:15 pm

NLGA:  “Policy Resolutions Committee”

Lt. Gov. Tim Murray, MA (D), Committee Chair & NLGA Chair-Elect  
Lt. Gov. Gregory Francis, USVI (D), NLGA Exec. Comm. East Region Chair  
Lt. Gov. Mark Darr, AR (R)
Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch, WI (R)

All attendees are welcome.  All NLGA members are invited and encouraged to attend the committee hearing because All members are asked to present all questions and any amendments in advance of the NLGA meeting or in this committee meeting.  Upon final passage from this committee, should a resolution pass, the resolution is heard for final passage on Friday morning by the entire body.  While resolutions can be questioned and amended at that time, it the practice and preference of members to field all questions and amendments in advance of the NLGA meeting or in this committee hearing as much as possible.  The resolutions will be available online just after the filing deadline of February 21, 2012.

1. Resolution in Support of a Continuing Economic Development Dialogue with Mexico    

Sponsors:  Lt. Govs. Rick Sheehy (NE) & Tim Murray (MA)

2. Resolution Easing Veterans’ Access to Services

Sponsor:  Lt. Governor Anthony Brown (MD) & Matt Michels (SD)  

3. Resolution in Support of a Properly Manned and Equipped U.S. Coast Guard  

Sponsors:  Lt. Govs.  Jennifer Carroll (FL) & Tim Murray (MA)

4. Resolution Following Convening of the 1^st Space States Policy Forum in Florida 

Sponsors:  Lt. Governor Jennifer Carroll, Florida & Joseph Garcia (CO)

5. Recognizing America’s Unconventional Natural Gas Resource as an Opportunity to Increase America’s Energy Security, Economic Vitality, and Energy Independence

Sponsors:  Lt. Governor Jim Cawley (PA)

Lt. Governors Rebecca Kleefisch (WI) & Mark Darr (AR)

Lt. Governor Gregory Francis (USVI) 

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

Per NLGA Articles, to file a policy resolution for consideration at this meeting or any meeting, a NLGA member (Lt. Gov., Sec of State or Sen. Pres.) is required to send the language to NLGA staff with a co-sponsor of the opposite party by the established deadline.  At least one of the two sponsors must be present to handle the resolution in this committee and, if it passes here, one of the two must be present again Friday morning in the NLGA Business session.

Westin, Grand Ballroom B-C

Immediately upon conclusion of Resolutions Committee approx.

2:15 – 3:15 pm

NLGA Officers Meeting  - Private  (Officers only, No Press)

Lt. Govs. Rick Sheehy (NE), Tim Murray (MA), Todd Lamb (OK), Bill Bolling (VA), and Anthony  Brown (MD)

This private meeting will begin immediately upon the conclusion of the Resolutions Committee meeting.  

Westin, TBD

Immediately upon conclusion of Resolutions Committee approx.

2:15 –3:15 pm

NLGA CAPs Collegial Meeting  - Private  (CAPs only, No Press)

NLGA Conference Associate Partners (CAPs) are invited to attend a collegial meeting led by your elected officers. 

Moderator:  Bob Broadus, Allergan

& Debbie Hayes, sanofi-aventis & Tom Hobson, Rockwell Collins

Westin, Grand Ballroom A

2:15 – 5:00 pm

NLGA Members Personal Meetings Time “On the Hill”

(No outside group may schedule into this block)

This block of time is for lieutenant governors for their personally planned DC-based meetings regarding specific state and territorial needs and to attend to other office needs.

5:30 pm

Load busses to Embassy

(Private:  Lt. governors, Secretaries of State of State, Sen. Pres. & their staffs & spouses, and CAPs, No Press & No other registrant category)

All attending must display name badge.  This is for identification purposes on the Embassy end, as well.

Westin, Lobby

6:00 – 8:00 pm

NLGA Exchange at the Embassy of Romania     

(Private:  Lt. governors, Secretaries of State of State, Sen. Pres. & their staffs & spouses, and CAPs, No Press & No other registrant category)

The 2011 “Joint Declaration on Strategic Partnership for the 21st Century Between the U.S. and Romania” cemented the countries’ long-standing, strategic security partnership and forged a look ahead at business and investment opportunities.  A NATO and EU member, Romania was an allied partner during the Gulf War, especially during its UN Security Council presidency, says the U.S. State Department.  By 2015, the U.S. will deploy land-based missile interceptors in Romanian to ensure the security of NATO allies including Romania.  According to the U.S. State Department, Romania, a constitutional democracy and market economy, is a country of considerable potential: rich agricultural lands, diverse energy sources (coal, oil, natural gas, hydro, and nuclear), an industrial base encompassing a range of manufacturing activities, and an educated work force.  Moving forward, Romania has a potential consumer base of 21-million people and may be viewed as an entry gateway to the E.U., as some U.S. companies have already done.  Upon arrival, NLGA guests will be among the first in the world to hear a presentation from the newly formed American – Romanian Business Council and on exchange opportunities.    

6:00 – 6:45 pm:  Presentation

6:45 – 8:00 pm:  Reception

• Ambassador of Romania Adrian Vierita & Mrs. Codrina Vierita

• Economic Section Head Viorel Onel, Embassy of Romania
• President Eric Stewart, American – Romanian Business Council and Business Council member representatives

Embassy of Romania, 1607 23rd St. NW, Wash, DC

Thursday,

March 22, 2012

7:00 – 10:00 am

NLGA:  Comcast Newsmakers Taping – Private   (No press)

Twelve lieutenant governors within the Newsmakers footprint will tape segments as scheduled.  Interviewees – Be On Time! 

Sponsor:  Comcast, a NLGA Conference Associate Partner (CAP)

• Host Robert Traynham, Roll Call television & Comcast Newsmakers

Westin, Sherwood & Bel Air Rooms

7:30 a – 3:00 p

NLGA Registration

Westin, Ballroom Foyer

8:15 – 8:45 am

NLGA All Attendee Breakfast     

(Eggs, bacon, yogurt)

Westin, Grand Ballroom A

8:45 – 9:45 am

NLGA Co-Keynotes:  “Winning the Future:  American Energy” 

A primary energy challenge before the states and the nation is continuing to meet today’s needs while pushing into 21^st century frontiers to secure America’s position as the global economic leader.  Deputy Asst. Secretary Christopher Smith will speak to the challenges and opportunities ahead between the federal and state governments in regard to oil, natural gas, and shale gas.  Then, Sr. Advisor to the Secretary Lauren Azar will discuss the Department of Energy’s strategy in the states moving forward with a new 21^st century electric infrastructure. 

• Deputy Asst. Sec. Christopher Smith, Office of Fossil Energy – Oil & Natural Gas, U.S. Dept. of Energy  
• Sr. Advisor Lauren Azar, Advisor the Secretary, U.S. Dept. of Energy

Moderator:  Sec. of State Ken McClintock, Puerto Rico (invited)  

Westin, Grand Ballroom B-C

9:45 – 10:45 a

NLGA Panel:  Forecasting Federal Impacts on States

A State Tax Notes magazine “All Decade State Tax Team” member will discuss federal funding to the states and the possible impacts of potential sequestration on the states.  Then, the National Governors Association Director for Federal Relations will overview the full landscape of federal policy actions impacting states.  Finally, the leader of Washington’s premier trade agency will bring attendees up to speed on federal trade issues impacting worldwide markets for states and territories. 

• Vice President for State Fiscal Policy Nick Johnson, Center on Budget and Policy Priorities  
• Federal Relations Director David Quam, National Governors Association  
• Director James Wilkinson, Washington International Trade Association (tentatively confirmed)

Moderator:  Lt. Governor Matt Michels, South Dakota (invited)

Westin, Grand Ballroom B-C

10:45 – 11:15 a

NLGA Keynote:  Transportation

Westin, Grand Ballroom B-C

11:15 – 11:45 a

NLGA Finance Committee report

NLGA Annual Meeting Report & Preview

Westin, Grand Ballroom B-C

11:45  – Noon

NLGA:  “Group Photo”

All attending lieutenant governors and secretaries of state gather for a group photo.  NO ROLL CALL will be taken.

Westin, Grand Ballroom Foyer (stairs)

Noon - 12:45 pm

NLGA All Attendee Lunch

(Soup, salads, sandwiches)

12:25 pm – 12:40 pm 

     Presentation:  “Energy & Environmental Stewardship award”

     By:  General Electric, a NLGA Conference Associate Partner

     (CAP),  in partnership with NLGA  

     With:  Minnesota Lt. Governor Yvonne Prettner Solon,

     2011 inaugural award winner &  NLGA Midwest-at-  

     Large Executive Committee member

Westin, Grand Ballroom A

12:45 – 1:45 pm

NLGA CAPs planned Session: 

“The Changed Health Care Landscape States Now Face”  

The fate of the Affordable Care Act is uncertain but an array of enacted provisions already changed the health care landscape.  More than 35 provisions are in effect, about a half-dozen are repealed or delayed, and 26 states filed suit against the law.  The U.S. Supreme Court hears the case March 26, 2012, with a decision in June.  Regardless of the decision specifics or individual positions on the law, though, health care changes, both intended and unintended, are happening.  In January, financial incentives to form Accountable Care Organizations took effect.  In June, the court decision could share headlines with insurance companies giving customer rebates for failing to meet medical loss ratios.  In October, e-health record provisions take effect.  All state leaders will grapple with a new and changing health landscape in 2012 and 2013 in areas from delivery of service and the structure of hospital and doctor’s practices, to medicines, long term care, and health records.  These speakers will engage in a directed discussion to share their observations on changes currently underway in the access and delivery of health care.

Introduction:  Lt. Governor Tim Murray, Massachusetts,

NLGA Chair-Elect

• Kansas Lt. Governor Jeff Colyer, M.D.
• Founding Director Jean Sullivan, J.D., Center for Health Law & Economics, Commonwealth Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School
• President Mark Parkinson, American Health Care Association, former Kansas Governor    

Moderator:  Bob Broadus, Allergan, NLGA CAPs Chair

Westin, Grand Ballroom B-C

1:45 – 2:15 pm

NLGA Executive Committee – Private

(Committee  LGs only, no staff & no other attendee)
Lt. Govs. Sheehy (NE), Murray (MA), Lamb (OK), Francis (USVI), Bohlinger (MT), Carroll (FL), Simon (IL),  Scott (VT), Roberts (RI), Krolicki (NV), Owen (WA),  Michels (SD), Solon (MN), Bolling (VA), Brown (MA)

Westin, Grand Ballroom B-C

2:30 – 5:00 pm

NLGA Members Personal Meetings Time

“On the Hill”

(No outside group may schedule into this block)

This block of time is for lieutenant governors for their personally planned DC-based meetings regarding specific state and territorial needs and to attend to other office needs.

5:00 – 6:00 pm

NLGA “50^th Anniversary” Reception – Private

(Lt. governors, Secretaries of State of State, their staffs & spouses, and CAPs only, No Press & No other registrant category)

NLGA members will celebrate the ‘official’ kick-off of the 50^th Anniversary year.

Westin, Ballroom Foyer

6:00 pm

Load busses to Embassy

(Private:  Lt. governors, Secretaries of State of State, Sen. Pres. & their staffs & spouses, and CAPs, No Press & No other registrant category)

All attending must display name badge.  This is for identification purposes on the Embassy end, as well.

Westin Lobby

6:30 – 8:00 pm

NLGA Exchange at Residence of the Ambassador of Brazil      

(Private: Lt. governors, Secretaries of State of State, & their staffs & spouses, and CAPs, No Press & No other registrant category)

A top-10 U.S. trade partner, Brazil is tripling its demand for imports; will soon be the 5^th largest source of tourists to the U.S.; and is navigating a ‘watershed’ year with the U.S. in 2012 for global ethanol.  Dubbed “The World’s Next Economic Superpower” by 60 Minutes, Brazil is the 7^th largest economy in the world and is a key for economic vitality in nearly every U.S. state and territory.  The U.S. and Brazil are the two largest economies and the two largest democracies in the Western Hemisphere sharing one of the most important trade and economic relationships in the world, according to the White House.  Two-way trade between the U.S. and Brazil doubled in the past decade.  With 193-million of the world’s consumers and per-capita income growing around 6% a year, Brazil’s demand for goods imports tripled from 2002 to 2010.  Nearly 1-million Brazilians visited the U.S. in 2009 and, by 2015, the U.S. Commerce Department says Brazil will be the 5^th largest source of visitors to the U.S. with Brazilian tourists spending more per capita than any other nationality, says Brazil’s Central Bank.  Regarding energy, the environment, and agriculture, the U.S. and Brazil are the world’s top two ethanol producers totaling 80% of the world’s market.  With the U.S. tariff on ethanol imports and U.S. ethanol tax credits both expiring this year, 2012 is being called a historic year in U.S.-Brazil trade ties.

• Ambassador of Brazil Mauro Vieira

Residence of the Ambassador of Brazil, 3000 Massachusetts Ave.

Friday,

March 23, 2012

7:45 – 11:45 am

NLGA Registration

Westin, Ballroom Foyer

8:00 – 8:30 am

(If Needed)

NLGA Executive Committee – Private

(Committee  LGs only, no staff & no other attendee)
Lt. Govs. Sheehy (NE), Murray (MA), Lamb (OK), Francis (USVI), Bohlinger (MT), Carroll (FL), Simon (IL),  Scott (VT), Roberts (RI), Krolicki (NV), Owen (WA),  Michels (SD), Solon (MN), Bolling (VA), Brown (MA)

This time slot is held for a final meeting of the NLGA Executive Committee IF the committee determines it needs the time. 

Westin, Ballroom B-C

8:30 – 9:00 am

NLGA All Attendee Breakfast
(Eggs, bacon, yogurt)

Westin, Ballroom A

9:00 – 9:30 am

NLGA Keynote:  “Fighting for Veterans as they Fought for Us”    

The 2.3 million veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan are the New Greatest Generation.  All state leaders want to join effectively with the federal government to ensure the best possible outreach and support for the veterans and their families.  Retired General Allison Hickey who leads Veterans Affairs Benefits Administration will exchange thoughts with lieutenant governors on best delivering for veterans.      

• Retired Brig. Gen. Allison A. Hickey,

Under Secretary for Benefits, Veterans Affairs  

Moderator:  Lt. Governor Jennifer Carroll, Florida,

NLGA Executive Committee South region Chair

Westin, Ballroom B-C

9:30 – 10:30 am

NLGA panel:  “The Supreme Court and the States”

Planned by The Council of State Governments (CSG)

The Supreme Court is currently considering a raft of cases with the potential to fundamentally alter the state-federal relationship.  The Council of State Governments (CSG) works to defend federalism and advance the interests of its members and affiliated organizations by filing amicus briefs in partnership with the State and Local Legal Center (SLLC).  This session will feature a discussion with top legal scholars on the cases before the court and the potential impact of court actions on states.

 

• Executive Director Lisa Soronen, State & Local Legal Center 
• Partner Neal Katyal, Hogan Lovells, Former Acting U.S. Solicitor General

Moderator:  Lt. Governor Anthony Brown, Maryland,

 NLGA Ex-Officio Chair & Executive Committee member  (invited)

Westin, Ballroom B-C

10:30 – 11:30 a

NLGA Executive Committee & General Business meeting

Lt. Governor Rick Sheehy (NE), NLGA Chair

See agenda on site.

Westin, Ballroom B-C

11:30 am

NLGA Meeting Adjourns