The Council of State Governments

08/25/2026

Few people had the ability to bring people together quite like Dolly Parton. Through her music, generosity and enduring commitment to young people and literacy, she touched generations and changed millions of lives.

Her Imagination Library has helped put more than 332 million books into the hands of young readers across five countries — a remarkable achievement that has inspired states to invest in childhood literacy and expand access to books in their communities. Today, 11 states provide full government funding and statewide coverage for the program, with at least 13 more providing state-backed funding through matching or shared-cost models.

Dolly once wrote, “I know that I am living the all-American dream.” Her vision and dedication helped make that dream possible for millions of children.

The Council of State Governments was fortunate to work with the Imagination Library at the 2023 CSG National Conference in Raleigh, North Carolina, where discussions centered on childhood literacy and how state leaders can make a difference. That year, Dolly kindly added her well-wishes in support of our 90th anniversary.

Her legacy will endure not only through the songs she gave the world, but through every child she encouraged to dream bigger and the example she set of what a common purpose can make possible.

📸: Leonard Kamsler/Country Music; Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library/The Dollywood Foundation; Shawn Miller/Library of Congress.

08/20/2026

CSG is honored to celebrate Doug Hagar as he marks 50 years of service to the organization. For five decades, Doug has played an integral role in keeping CSG running smoothly and strengthening our ability to support state governments and public servants across the country.

Thank you, Doug!

08/11/2026

🏅 Introducing the 2026 CSG Henry Toll Fellowship Class.

Representing 32 states and U.S. territories and all three branches of state government, these 48 outstanding public servants are advancing their leadership journeys and expanding their impact in public service through this prestigious national leadership development program.

Since 1986, CSG has welcomed a new class of CSG Henry Toll Fellows to its community of elected and appointed state officials for this immersive leadership training. As members of the 2026 class, fellows join a distinguished community of leaders spanning nearly four decades and every region of the country, carrying forward a tradition of collaboration, innovation and public service that continues to champion excellence in state government.

08/10/2026

08/10/2026

08/02/2026

On this day, 250 years ago, the delegates of the Continental Congress came together to sign the Declaration of Independence, a collective act that turned 13 colonies into one nation.

Unanimous - Fifty-six names. One signature moment in our nation's founding.

Grab your 250 gear at https://thestates.store/products/unanimous-1776-signers

07/31/2026

📍The next stop on our ongoing celebration of America's semiquincentennial: Alabama.

On Dec. 14, 1819, Alabama became the 22nd state admitted to the United States.

We spoke with Alabama Rep. Donna Givens, who represents the 64th District and is a 2025 CSG Toll Fellow, about "The Yellow Hammer" state. Read the full story, link in bio 🔗

https://www.csg.org/2026/07/15/alabama-the-yellowhammer-state/

07/28/2026

This year, the National Center for State Courts celebrates the 20th anniversary of its Gavel to Gavel project.

For 20 years now, NCSC's Gavel to Gavel has tracked state legislation impacting state courts, sharing trusted data and providing an indispensable tool for court leaders across the country.

Learn more:

07/24/2026

Each day, millions of Americans use electricity to charge their cell phones, power their laptops, and cool their homes. But where does this energy come from, and who governs the production, transmission and distribution of power for the electric grid?

The latest CSG 50-State Scan examines the energy industry, on both the federal and state level, and how state leaders are meeting the challenges of rising energy demands.

07/23/2026

This year, CSG Midwest will host its the 80th Annual bipartisan, binational Midwestern Legislative Conference (MLC) Annual Meeting in Saint Paul, Minnesota, from Aug. 30–Sept. 2.

Join state and provincial leaders from across the region to strengthen relationships, exchange ideas and innovations, and hear from leading policy experts — all while enjoying Minnesota's capital city.

Hear from Sen. Mary Kunesh, 2026 chair of The Council of State Governments’ Midwestern Legislative Conference, and other midwestern legislators about what to expect at this year's convening. Plus, David Adkins, CSG executive director/CEO, gives a preview for what CSG events are on the horizon.