The Council of State Governments

03/11/2025

"We know learning doesn’t start in kindergarten and doesn’t stop at high school graduation — our education system needs to support students and families at every stage — cradle to career."

As Vice Chairs of Washington's Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education Committee, Sens. Wilson and T'wina Nobles are working together to fuel lasting change in their state.

Senator Wilson has spent decades in education — as a teacher, school board director, and executive director of the state’s largest early learning program — giving her a deep understanding of how systems impact students, families, and educators.

As a PTA mom, teacher, school board director, nonprofit leader and advocate, Senator Nobles has reinforced the importance of representation and equity in education.

Recently, the duo introduced a set of bills aimed at improving student protections and the health and safety of classrooms across the Evergreen State.

"We are committed to policies that don’t just look good on paper but make a real difference in people’s lives — policies that create opportunities, strengthen communities, and build a future where every child in Washington has a fair, equitable shot at success."

📷 : LSS Photography

03/10/2025

What actions can new members take to excel in their current roles and prepare for future leadership opportunities within their states?

Join us this Friday for the second installment of our New Legislator Success Webinar series, featuring a panel of CSG Henry Toll Fellowship alumni in legislative leadership positions.

How to Quickly Establish a Good Relationship with Leadership - March 14, 2 p.m. ET

Email [email protected] from your state email and include your name, state and title to register.

03/06/2025

On Sunday, March 9, we turn the clocks forward again.

National efforts to end the biannual clock change continue to grow, with at least 31 states introducing legislation to make a permanent switch this year alone.

Daylight saving time has been a point of contention in state houses for years, even reaching the federal level with no resolution in 2022.

States can exclude themselves from switching the clocks by opting into a year-round standard time, but enacting permanent DST requires the backing of Congress. However, many states are reluctant to make this shift without the support of neighboring states.

Here's what's happening in the states:

https://www.csg.org/2024/03/11/is-daylight-saving-time-worth-saving/

03/04/2025

Joyeux Mardi Gras!

In December, CSG gathered state leaders from across the nation in the vibrant city of New Orleans, where we had the honor to be welcomed to the Big Easy with the Bourbon Street Brass Band.

Since 1837, Mardi Gras has attracted millions of visitors to celebrate the festivities with king-cakes, costumes, marching bands and more. To our friends and colleagues in Louisiana and beyond, laissez les bons temps rouler!

https://www.capitolideas.org/2024/edition-2/a-taste-of-louisiana

03/03/2025

This Friday, our new legislator webinar series kicks off with "What Can Nonpartisan Staff Do for You," featuring Jessica Geary, executive director of the Alaska Legislative Affairs Agency, and Jay Hartz, director of the Kentucky Joint Legislative Research Commission.

This panel of distinguished CSG members working in nonpartisan, legislative staff roles will discuss ways in which new legislators can collaborate with staff to make government run effectively.

Join us March 7 at 2 p.m. ET! 💻

To register, email [email protected] from your state email and include your name, state and title.

02/25/2025

Once a Toll Fellow, always a Toll Fellow.

The CSG Henry Toll Fellowship is more than just a leadership development program; it's an opportunity to grow alongside fellow lawmakers.

Apply/nominate for the 2025 CSG Henry Toll Fellowship today! All materials are due by May 1: https://csgovts.info/3BdqFR0

02/21/2025

Congratulations to Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Elizabeth Clement on her appointment as the new president of the National Center for State Courts. CSG is proud to serve and connect state officials from all three branches of government and looks forward to working with Chief Justice Clement in her new role to advance the rule of law and champion excellence in state courts nationwide.

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02/14/2025

This Valentine’s Day, we’re celebrating the heart of democracy: state governments. ❤️

Whether it’s tackling policy challenges or finding innovative solutions, CSG is committed to supporting the work of state leaders every day.

www.csg.org

02/12/2025

Fiscal policy is emerging as a top priority for policymakers in 2025. At the top of the year, many states have a stable outlook for their short-term budgetary health. However, substantial budget deficits will require careful planning and strategic adjustments.

In 38 states, tax revenue has declined from the previous 15-year growth trend. Analysts predict that state budgets will face increased pressure this year as federal pandemic relief funds come to an end.

Here’s an overview of the current fiscal landscape in the states: https://www.csg.org/2025/02/07/2025-fiscal-affairs-outlook/

02/10/2025

It's that time again... 🏆

Applications for the CSG Henry Toll Fellowship are now open! Develop your leadership skills while you build connections with fellow state leaders.

The deadline to apply is May 1, 2025. Learn more: https://csgovts.info/3BdqFR0

02/07/2025

Our regional offices are on the move, engaging with state leaders and legislative teams across the nation! Spanning all four CSG regions, these statehouse visits are setting the stage for another year of partnership and progress with state governments.

01/30/2025

Since 2023, over 150 pieces of legislation concerning redistricting have been introduced. Redistricting ensures districts are equally populated, adhering to the "one person, one vote" principle, but the process varies by state.

Some states use legislatures, while others rely on independent or advisory commissions. States like California and Iowa use independent commissions.

States have until 2030 before the next census is conducted, after which district lines will need to be redrawn.

https://www.capitolideas.org/2024/edition-2/drawing-the-line

01/29/2025

As the new year begins, state of the state addresses are taking place nationwide. Governors of America's Commonwealths, states and territories are making clear their priorities for the upcoming year.

Key focus areas include healthcare, economic growth, workforce development and a range of other critical issues.

Governors of states, territories and commonwealths are outlining their priorities for 2024 in state of the state or commonwealth addresses, as well as inaugural addresses for new and re-elected Governors.

01/27/2025

Representing all four regions through service, meet this year's CSG regional leaders:

2025 CSG East Co-Chair, Rhode Island Senate President Dominick J. Ruggerio
2025 CSG East Co-Chair, Rhode Island Speaker of the House K. Joseph Shekarchi
2025 CSG Midwest Chair, Saskatchewan Minister Lori Carr
2024-25 CSG South Chair, Alabama Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter
2025 CSG West Chair, Wyoming House Minority Floor Leader Mike Yin

https://www.capitolideas.org/2024/edition-2/2025-csg-regional-leaders

01/21/2025

As the nation marks the peaceful transition of power with yesterday’s inauguration of President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, The Council of State Governments stands ready to partner with their administration to advance the critical public policy priorities of all 56 U.S. states and territories.

This moment of transition also offers an opportunity to reflect on the half century of public service President Biden has given to our nation. His leadership as President helped to secure bipartisan passage of a historic investment in infrastructure, the enactment of legislation to significantly increase domestic production of computer chips, and expanded access to high-speed internet, among other achievements. We wish President and Dr. Biden the very best in the next chapter of their lives.

The states serve as America’s laboratories of democracy and CSG is proud to serve, on behalf of the states, as a trusted resource to the leaders in the White House and the United States Congress.

01/20/2025

Today, we pay tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., whose vision and lasting legacy of compassion, selflessness and service continue to inspire and guide leaders today.

https://catalog.archives.gov/id/542015

01/17/2025

State leaders are increasingly utilizing data-driven tools to inform policies addressing critical issues facing the nation today. Advanced mapping technology from organizations like Esri, a geographic information systems (GIS) software company, enables policymakers to interpret complex data and address pressing needs in their communities.

https://www.capitolideas.org/2024/edition-2/mapping-solutions

01/14/2025

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the individuals and families affected by the devastating wildfires in California. We stand with the state officials, first responders and countless heroes working tirelessly and courageously under these difficult circumstances. Your resilience inspires us all. Let’s come together to uplift our neighbors in need." - Illinois Sen. Elgie R. Sims Jr., 2025 CSG National Chair

If you’re looking for ways to help or need support, here is a trusted resource:
➡️ California Community Foundation (https://www.calfund.org/funds/wildfire-recovery-fund/)