The Council of State Governments West

 

February 4, 2014

In This Issue
Remembering Rep. Sue Wallis
Justice Reinvestment in Idaho
Poverty & Education Webinar
2014 CSG & CSG West Annual Conference 

August 9-13. 2014
Anchorage Alaska
Upcoming Webinars 
Challenges and Future Opportunities for States in Net Metering
Feb. 4, 2 pm EST
More Info...

State Strategies to End Child Poverty as a Barrier to Educational Success
 Feb. 20, 2 p.m. EST
More Info...
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CSG West
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Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: 916.553.4423
Fax: 916.446-5760
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CSG West Remembers Wyoming Representative Sue Wallis
Wyoming Representative Sue Wallis passed away early last week. She was 56. Representative Wallis was an active participant in many CSG programs and we are saddened to lose such a dynamic and passionate individual.  Wallis was known for her willingness to speak up and share her thoughts, and as a woman of principles.  Speaker of the House Tom Lubnau, a friend of Wallis' since high school, said that it is "going to be a huge loss to the community." 

 

Her passion for agriculture was well known.  She was actively involved in numerous agricultural groups including State Agriculture and Rural Leaders and WyoAg Sustainable Agriculture Coalition. She was also a member of the CSG West Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee.

 

"Wallis was a passionate voice in the legislature. Her commitment to the state and the Western way of life was unmatched" said Wyoming Representative Rosie Berger. "I know that I am not alone when I say that this is a huge loss for the state. I will miss Rep. Wallis, someone who I was proud to call a friend." 

Justice Reinvestment in Idaho: 

Analyses and Policy Framework 


Idaho lawmakers are considering justice reinvestment recommendations from CSG Justice Center analysis of the state's criminal justice system. If implemented, the package of policies outlined in the framework has the potential to generate significant savings in Idaho and estimates a 15-percent reduction in recidivism. By slowing the growth in the state prison population between 2015 and 2019, these policies will help the state avoid at least $288 million in construction and operating costs that would otherwise be needed to accommodate the forecasted growth. To achieve these outcomes, a portion of the expected savings must be reinvested in funding for training probation and parole officers, providing community-based treatment services to people on probation and parole supervision who are at a higher risk of reoffending, and implementing quality assurance measures.

 

To download a pdf version of the report, click here .

State Strategies to End Child Poverty as a Barrier to Educational Success

 

 Thursday, Feb. 20, 2-3 p.m. EST

 

Among the world's 35 richest countries, the U.S. ranks second highest in the rate of childhood poverty. Achievement gaps between the poor and the non-poor are twice as large as the achievement gap between black and white students. And cognitive differences--which vary extensively by income and poverty status--likely contribute to a young adult's accessibility to and success in college, further limiting economic and social mobility and fueling the gap between rich and poor. This webinar will showcase ways state policymakers can utilize their role to reduce the impact of child poverty on educational success. More... 
 

The mission of CSG West is to facilitate regional, nonpartisan cooperation and exchange of information, and to strengthen legislative institutions among our 13 member states. These services are achieved through a variety of programs and services offered to legislators and their staff, including the convening of policy forums, professional development training, international relations opportunities, publications and institutional links with other political entities in the West.   

 

CSG West serves the Western legislatures of Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming. Associate members include the Canadian provinces of Alberta and British Columbia and the Pacific islands of American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and Guam.