September 28, 2006

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Jack Penchoff

jpenchoff@csg.org

(859)244-8153

National State Leaders Meeting in Phoenix Nov. 30-Dec. 3

U.S. Rep. Jim Kolbe of Arizona will lead a discussion on immigration at The Council of State Governments’ 2006 Annual Trends and Leadership Forum Nov. 30-Dec. 3 in Phoenix.

An estimated 1,200 state leaders from all three branches of government will gather at the meeting to discuss emerging trends and challenges to state government.

Kolbe, who has represented Arizona’s eighth district for more than 20 years, will share his insights on the impact of new trends in immigration and globalization on the American economy at a session called “Immigration, Globalization and America’s Future.”

A session on Real ID will address how the law, which establishes national standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and non-driver’s identification cards, will highlight the potential strains on state government resources. The law calls a total redesign of current driver’s licenses, among other requirements, and estimates indicate it will cost the states between $9 billion and $12 billion.

Task force sessions on agriculture and rural policy, public safety and justice, health, and the environment will also take place at the conference.

A preliminary agenda is located on CSG’s Web site at www.csg.org.

CSG is a national, nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization that has championed excellence in state government for more than 70 years by sharing innovative solutions to common problems across state borders.

All sessions are open to the press. However, registration is required. For more information, contact Jack Penchoff at (859) 244-8153 or jpenchoff@csg.org.

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The Council of State Governments is the premier multibranch organization forecasting policy trends for the community of states, commonwealths and territories on a national and regional basis.

CSG alerts state and elected and appointed officials to emerging social, economic and political trends; offers innovative state policy responses to rapidly changing conditions; and advocates multistate problem-solving to maximize resources and competitiveness.

CSG promotes excellence in decision-making and leadership skills and champions state sovereignty.