CPA News Releases, Advisories, and Editorials

Washington, DC — State legislators and other key leaders from 45 states will discuss the top issues facing 1999 legislatures at the Center for Policy Alternatives (CPA) Summit on the States, meeting here December 11 and 12. Summit participants will define new legislative strategies for responsible stewardship in a time of economic strength and state budget surpluses.

At the opening plenary session at 8:45 a.m. Friday, December 11 CPA President and CEO Linda Tarr-Whelan will address the current political and economic scene, including the economic boom and healthy financial picture. States ended FY 1998 with balances totaling $28.6 billion, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures, paving the way for several options – including tax reduction, increasing reserves and spending more for current programs – that will continue to be debated in 1999 legislative sessions.

Republican pollster Linda DiVall, President of American Viewpoint, and Democratic pollster Joe Goode of Lake Snell Perry & Associates, Inc. will present data – and their perspectives – on public attitudes on key 1999 state legislative issues in a 12:30 Friday luncheon plenary session.

Legislative issues to be discussed include: education; privatization of public services; strategies for family economic security; evaluating welfare reform; health care for underserved communities; utility deregulation; affirmative action; and community economic development.

CPA’s 1998 Summit on the States is cosponsored by the AFL-CIO and the National Education Association.