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Committee debates funding for NCSL, CSG West and Education Commission of the States; decision deferred
Summary
Members heard options for funding national and regional legislative organizations — NCSL, CSG West, and the Education Commission of the States — and debated reductions versus full funding; the committee asked staff for more impact information and delayed a final decision.
Director Natalie Castle reviewed history and options for joint governmental agency dues, noting NCSL had requested full funding that would raise dues from a baseline figure to $258,300 and that CSG West full dues would be $251,900; the Education Commission of the States was noted at $77,300.
Director Castle said the committee had been funding NCSL at about 68% of full dues recently and that partial funding likely would not cut off all services, though it could restrict participation in some task forces and leadership roles. "NCSL is worth the money," she said, but added states that do not pay full dues may lose some access. Minority Leader Simpson said, "I certainly can't support an increase in funding in any of these requests," citing recent budget cuts and concerns about tradeoffs for provider rates and services.
Members discussed options — hold flat, match inflation, or increase to full dues — and asked staff for more detailed analysis of the consequences of reductions. Director Castle and others urged that if the committee could afford full dues, it was valuable; if not, partial funding would likely preserve most services. The committee did not take a final vote and will consider the item again after staff provides additional impact information.
