CSG Midwest News

Policy trends in “medical homes,” early voting and nuclear power all part of this month’s Stateline
December 15 -This month’s cover story of Stateline Midwest examines initiatives to promote the availability and use of medical homes as a way to improve quality and ultimately cut costs in state health care systems. Other stories in the December edition focus on possible next steps for states to promote early voting, the impact of this year’s elections on 2009 legislative sessions, and the potential for nuclear power to help states meet their energy needs in a “low-carbon” way. “Also included are a profile of Nebraska Sen. Deb Fischer and a FirstPerson article by South Dakota Attorney General Larry Long on his state’s award-winning 24-7 Sobriety Project.

Firstline Midwest details state efforts to prevent foreclosure

December 15- As the nation’s financial crisis worsens, more and more Americans face losing their homes. State policymakers throughout the Midwest are taking action to prevent foreclosure by educating consumers, providing financial assistance and cracking down on unfair lending practices.

Click here to read the December issue of Firstline 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 – including agriculture, 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.

Applicants sought for Midwest’s premier legislative leadership training program
December 8 - Applications for this summer’s Bowhay Institute for Legislative Leadership Development (BILLD) are now available. BILLD is the only leadership training program designed exclusively for newer state legislators in the Midwest. Regional lawmakers in their first four years of legislative service are encouraged to submit applications, which are due on March 30. Each year, BILLD awards fellowships to 36 select legislators in the Midwestern states and provinces to help them develop the skills they need to be effective leaders and policymakers. The 15th annual Bowhay Institute will be held July 10-14 in Madison, Wis. The intensive five-day program is conducted by the Midwestern Legislative Conference of The Council of State Governments, in cooperation with The Robert M. La Follette School of Public Affairs at the University of Wisconsin. Learn more about BILLD or access the application.