The Council of State Governments Announces its 2021 20 Under 40 Leadership Award Recipients
Lexington, Ky. – The Council of State Governments is excited to announce the 2021 recipients of the CSG 20 Under 40 Leadership Award. This annual honor recognizes the outstanding work of 20 up-and-coming elected and appointed officials from across the country who not only exemplify strong leadership skills but have also demonstrated a true commitment to serving the citizens of their states.
“The state officials named to the 2021 class of The Council of State Governments 20 Under 40 Leadership Award represent a broad cross-section of the exceptional leaders that successfully govern our states,” said David Adkins, CSG executive director/CEO. “Those recognized this year come from diverse backgrounds, different political parties, different branches of state government and from every region of our country, but they share a singular commitment to make a difference for those they serve.”
The Council of State Governments is a nonpartisan organization that brings state officials together to learn from each other and to craft solutions to today’s public policy challenges.
“The hard-working leaders recognized with the CSG 20 Under 40 Leadership Award have demonstrated the ability to productively collaborate to achieve consensus and produce results,” Adkins said. “While they may be young, their public service honors the oldest and best values of our democracy.”
Award recipients will be honored at the 2021 CSG National Conference in Santa Fe, New Mexico in December.
To learn more about the 20 Under 40 Leadership Award, visit web.csg.org/20-40/.To learn more about The Council of State Governments, the nation’s only nonpartisan organization serving all three branches of state government, visit csg.org.
Sept. 11, 2001, dawned as a beautiful day with the kind of clear sky aviators describe as “severe clear.” Beginning at 8:46 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time that blue sky would darken as the first plumes of smoke began rising from what would become the worst terrorist incident in U.S. history.
When the two iconic towers of the World Trade Center fell that morning, over 2,600 people from 90 countries perished. The Council of State Governments office, located in a nearby World Trade Center building, would also be destroyed. Thankfully, no CSG employees perished or were physically injured in the attacks. The New York City offices of The Council of State Governments would be relocated many times in the years following the attacks, but our resolve to stay in the financial district of New York City remained steadfast.
Twenty years hence, The Council of State Governments remembers that dark day. We remember the lives lost in New York City, at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., and the 40 brave passengers and crew members who perished aboard United Flight 93 when it was brought down in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
We also remember the unforgettable personal experiences of the men and women who found themselves caught at the center of an unprecedented human event. And we commemorate the spirit of all those who came together across the globe in the wake of the attacks to serve others.
We honor the memory of the 344 firefighters and 71 law enforcement officers and other helpers who gave the last full measure of devotion on that day. We remember the more than 3,000 children who lost a parent in the attacks. We remember the 55 members of the armed services who were killed at the Pentagon that day. We reflect on the incredible bravery of the passengers of Flight 93 who, surely knowing their lives would be lost, chose to overtake the hijackers and, in doing so, likely prevented their plane from being flown into the seat of our nation’s government, the United States Capitol. In all, nearly 3,000 people would die as the innocent victims of this unspeakable violence.
On 9/11 many sacrificed, and many served and many were called to serve. From the ashes of the attacks, the stories of countless every day Americans performing extraordinary acts of service emerged. The nation came together, united in compassion and resolve. It is this part of the legacy of 9/11 that continues to call all of us to honor our obligations as citizens and to give selflessly of ourselves in service to others.
The CSG New York office is now located just a block from Ground Zero. I have taken the short walk to the National September 11 Memorial many times during my visits to our office. Each time, I reflect on the magnitude of loss and think of all those who continue to face health challenges because of the events of that day.
Our states and nation face considerable challenges. On this twentieth anniversary commemoration of the attacks of 9/11, we, as citizens, can honor the victims of 9/11 and further their legacy by rededicating ourselves to serve the common good, by condemning hate in all its forms, by reaching out to our neighbors in need, by honoring those who serve in harm’s way in our stead and by comforting those who have suffered loss. We have the power to confront those who wish our nation harm by doing all in our power to preserve, protect and defend democracy and the rule of law.
Two decades later, the enormity of the events of 9/11 still defy comprehension, but this much is clear, in the wake of one of the most horrific events in our nation’s history, countless, vivid examples of the best of America emerged. I recall seeing the words, “United We Stand,” proudly displayed throughout the U.S. in the weeks and months following the attacks. As we remember 9/11, let us now each pledge to do our share of the hard work necessary to unify our country, knowing that when Americans come together as one nation, nothing can stop us.
May God bless the memory of those who perished because of the events of 9/11 and may God bless The United States of America.
The NASTD Annual Conference and Technology Showcase explored topics including cybersecurity, public-private partnerships, automation and artificial intelligence, state IT responses to the pandemic and much more.
LifePoint Health, a CSG Associate, partnered with the Tennessee Department of Health to host two COVID-19 vaccination clinics for Special Olympics Tennessee.
The Office of National Drug Control Policy has released the following information:
Opioid Litigation Settlement: Using Evidence to Lead Action Monday, August 30 12:30p – 5:00p EST via Zoom
The Office of National Drug Control Policy will host a half-day virtual convening for the nation’s state, local and tribal government leaders to share best practices on the use of forthcoming opioid litigation settlement funds.
At this convening, attendees will hear from leaders in the Federal government, the states, academia and community organizations about:
Principles to guide decision-making about the use of the funding;
Information from the Federal government on the abatement process;
Tools for assessing community needs and concerns related to substance use disorder and overdose; and
Best practices for collaboration between service providers and State, local, and Tribal governments to deliver evidence-based care and services.
The event is open to all state, local and tribal members of your association, with ample time for questions and discussion throughout the day.
An invitation with Zoom link will follow, and we look forward to a productive conversation with you and your Association’s membership.
Learn more about the opioid settlement:
What States Need to Know: State Attorneys General Reach Agreement on $26 Billion Opioid Settlement
In late July, a bipartisan group of attorneys general and local government lawyers from 13 states endorsed a multi-billion-dollar settlement against major drug companies that would end several open civil lawsuits stemming from opioid distribution. The agreement would require three drug distributors and one drug maker to make $26 billion in payments to states and communities to provide, among other things, addition rehabilitation and prevention services.
Over the last several years, drug firms have faced a barrage of lawsuits for their alleged roles in encouraging the distribution and sale of opioids across the country at a time when drug addiction and opioid overdoses are on the rise. If the settlement is approved by the named states and municipalities — including California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Texas — thousands of lawsuits against the named companies would be dropped by states and cities.
States have a month from July 21 — when this agreement was first reached — to decide if they will accept the deal. Following this decision, states will contact counties and cities who will have 150 days to decide if they would like to be included in the suit and receive funds from the settlement. At least 44 states as well as 95% of cities, counties and others suing the companies and 90% of non-litigating jurisdictions must sign on to the deal to receive a portion of the money. In some states, the final call will rest with the attorney general, while others will require legislative approval.
Under the agreement, the three distributors — Cardinal Health, AmerisourceBergen and McKesson — would make $21 billion in payments over 18 years, while drug maker Johnson & Johnson would pay $5 billion over nine years. The exact amount of the payments to each state and city will be determined by the number of governments who sign on to the agreement and the population and impact of opioid addiction in each region.
According to The New York Times, a novel feature of this agreement is a provision that distributors establish an independent clearinghouse to track one another’s shipments, a new mechanism to make data more transparent and make it easier to know when oversized orders are placed.
A separate agreement between these four companies and Native American tribes is still being worked out. This settlement would only bind these four companies. Other suits against different drug manufacturers and distributors are still being processed.
Elected and appointed officials are invited to hear join the U.S. Department of Agriculture to discuss the $500 million Supply Chain Investment. USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack will be joined by key stakeholders including CSG National President, Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly, as well as Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear of the Osage Nation, Oregon Department of Agriculture Director Alexis Taylor and Renville County EDA Coordinator Jordan Zeller who will examine meat and poultry supply chain challenges in their states and communities.
In late July, a bipartisan group of attorneys general and local government lawyers from 13 states endorsed a multi-billion-dollar settlement against major drug companies that would end several open civil lawsuits stemming from opioid distribution. The agreement would require three drug distributors and one drug maker to make $26 billion in payments to states and communities to provide, among other things, addition rehabilitation and prevention services.
Over the last several years, drug firms have faced a barrage of lawsuits for their alleged roles in encouraging the distribution and sale of opioids across the country at a time when drug addiction and opioid overdoses are on the rise. If the settlement is approved by the named states and municipalities — including California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Texas — thousands of lawsuits against the named companies would be dropped by states and cities.
States have a month from July 21 — when this agreement was first reached — to decide if they will accept the deal. Following this decision, states will contact counties and cities who will have 150 days to decide if they would like to be included in the suit and receive funds from the settlement. At least 44 states as well as 95% of cities, counties and others suing the companies and 90% of non-litigating jurisdictions must sign on to the deal to receive a portion of the money. In some states, the final call will rest with the attorney general, while others will require legislative approval.
Under the agreement, the three distributors — Cardinal Health, AmerisourceBergen and McKesson — would make $21 billion in payments over 18 years, while drug maker Johnson & Johnson would pay $5 billion over nine years. The exact amount of the payments to each state and city will be determined by the number of governments who sign on to the agreement and the population and impact of opioid addiction in each region.
According to The New York Times, a novel feature of this agreement is a provision that distributors establish an independent clearinghouse to track one another’s shipments, a new mechanism to make data more transparent and make it easier to know when oversized orders are placed.
A separate agreement between these four companies and Native American tribes is still being worked out. This settlement would only bind these four companies. Other suits against different drug manufacturers and distributors are still being processed.
CSG partners with the Department of Defense to reduce workforce barriers for military spouses and other practitioners of licensed professions
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How can the states reduce workforce barriers for military spouses and other practitioners of licensed professions?
That’s the question CSG is exploring through a competitive interstate compacts program in partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD). Following a competitive application process, CSG selected five professions to work with the CSG National Center for Interstate Compacts in developing model legislation that would help military spouses and other practitioners gain professional license portability through interstate compacts. The professions selected for compact assistance are cosmetology and barbering, dentistry and dental hygiene, massage therapy, social work and K-12 teaching.
Kicking off the project, CSG hosted a webinar series that brought together state leaders, subject matter experts and members of the professions to discuss the background and importance of this project. The final installment of the series on Aug. 24 at 2 p.m. (Eastern) will explore the Dentistry and Dental Hygiene Compact. (Click here to register).
Recordings of previous webinars are available on the CSG YouTube page:
Occupational licensure compacts create reciprocity between states while maintaining the quality and safety of services and protecting state sovereignty. Compacts result in a more efficient distribution of licensed workers by supporting practitioner mobility.
Prior to its partnership with the Department of Defense, the CSG National Center for Interstate Compacts led the development of interstate compacts for physicians, nurses, emergency medical services personnel, physical therapists, psychologists, occupational therapists, licensed professional counselors and audiologists/speech-language pathologists. More than 40 states and territories have adopted at least one of the compacts and over half have adopted three or more.
“Military spouses work hard to earn professional credentials and establish themselves in licensed occupations while also being willing to sacrifice their professional lives in support of their spouse so they can serve our country,” said Wisconsin state Sen. Joan Ballweg, who serves as the national chair for CSG. “Creating interstate compacts for these occupations will reduce regulatory burdens substantially and restore the career options they deserve. CSG and the Department of Defense chose worthy occupations, and I am encouraged by their progress on this vital project.”
The Chief Justices of the supreme courts of the states gathered at the National Center for State Courts at its headquarters in Williamsburg, Virginia. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Texas and Chair of the Conference of Chief Justices and the National Center for State Courts, Nathan L. Hecht, delivered remarks at a celebration celebrating the organization’s 50th anniversary.
The U.S. Capitol riot on Jan. 6 and subsequent threats have inspired a debate over capitol security in statehouses around the country. The events of January 6 are only one example of an already tumultuous year of political violence directed at public buildings and officials. The global pandemic also led to a need for additional security measures to protect against COVID-19. To better understand how these factors have impacted states, analysts with The Council of State Governments (CSG) performed a comprehensive scan of state capitol security across all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
CSG analysts found that significant policy differences exist between states on firearms permissions, security screenings and other security measures. Most capitols restrict the open and concealed carry of firearms and use both metal detectors and X-ray machines. However, seven statehouses permit both open and concealed carry and 13 use neither metal detectors nor X-ray machines.
Findings and Analysis
As of April 27, 2021, 28 state capitols and the Wilson Building (the Washington, D.C. capitol) are closed to the public. Of these 28 state capitols, 24 explicitly state that they are closed to prevent the spread of COVID-19. At the time of this analysis, information was not publicly available for the remaining four closed capitols. However, our analysis indicates that these four capitols are also likely closed due to COVID-19. Finally, the District of Columbia Wilson Building is closed because the city council is not in session. Notably, no state capitols are closed due to threats of violence. This stands in stark contrast to the weeks following Jan. 6 when at least 19 states deployed National Guard troops to their capitols and several shut down statehouse grounds in response to the U.S. Capitol riot.
States also implemented temporary increases in security measures following the U.S. Capitol riot but later removed these as threats of violence failed to materialize. Out of the 10 states that explicitly reported that areas around their capitols were inaccessible in early January, only two — Arizona and Washington — continue to do so. This may be an undercount, as information is not publicly available for 40 states.
Similarly, 10 state capitols explicitly reported that they employed security fencing. Three of these, Minnesota, Oregon and South Carolina, left their fencing installed. As above, this may be an undercount: these 10 states are those that reported setting up and removing their fences.
This indicates that the emphasis of capitol officials has shifted away from threats of political violence and back to the pandemic and traditional security.
34 states and Washington, D.C. prohibit the possession of firearms on capitol grounds, while 16 states permit the possession of personal firearms within their statehouses in some capacity. Citizens can use concealed carry in 14 of the 51 capitols (27%) and open carry in nine capitols (18%). Seven of the 14 capitols that permit concealed carry of firearms also allow open carry. Two states—Louisiana and Nebraska—permit open carry in their capitol complexes but prohibit concealed carry. Louisiana has no law restricting the open carry of firearms within its capitol. But while open carry is technically legal, online sources indicate that entering the capitol while brandishing a firearm will lead to arrest.
Most states prohibit the possession of firearms within their capitols, but a substantial minority do the opposite.
Another significant component of capitol security is the screening process — specifically, the use of metal detectors, X-rays, and required identification (ID).[1] Metal detectors are used to scan people (i.e., walk-through or handheld metal detectors. X-ray machines, however, scan personal items, packages, and the contents of each visitor’s pockets.
Thirty-seven capitols (37%, including the Washington D.C. city building) employ metal detectors at screening checkpoints in building entrances, and a further 31 capitols (61%), employ X-ray machines at entrances to scan all packages and personal items. Of the 18 state capitols that post their ID policy online, 10 required identification to enter their state houses.
Notably, a higher percentage of capitols that permit the open or concealed carry of firearms do not use metal detectors or X-rays compared to states that do not allow personal firearms on capitol grounds. 73% of all capitols use metal detectors, but only 50% of capitols that permit firearms use metal detectors. Similarly, 61% of all capitols use X-ray machines, but only 43% of capitols that allow personal firearms use X-ray machines. This suggests that states which permit personal firearms within their state houses may be less inclined to implement stronger security screening processes.
CSG identified several patterns between the law enforcement agencies that states entrust with protecting their capitol buildings. Twenty-one states delegate capitol security to capitol police divisions, and seven states delegate security to a division of the state’s highway patrol. Interestingly, Massachusetts delegates capitol security to park rangers in the state’s Department of Conservation and Recreation. All other states delegate security to unique subdivisions of each state’s primary police agency.
Method of Research
To conduct this research, CSG analysts gathered data from a variety of publicly available sources. Information on state capitol building firearm policy was primarily gathered from the Giffords Law Center’s Database of State Gun Laws and Michigan Advance’s Database of Capitol Building Firearm Policies. Most other data — including information on public access and security screening procedures —were gathered from statehouse websites or local news sources. This is not a comprehensive scan of all capitol security policies as some information is unavailable for most states. In particular, security measures like capitol fencing and ID requirements only reflect information that is publicly available online.
