Several state legislators headed to Indianapolis for the National Conference of State Legislatures, where state legislators from across the country gather for three days of panels, brainstorming and networking.
The conference, which will take place August 14-16, is designed to give legislators and their staff opportunities to advance their professional skills, learn about the latest legislative trends and explore new legislative services. All this while you can stand on the field of the Indianapolis Colts stadium. It's a dream come true for state legislators.
City and State sat down with Assemblywoman Grace Lee to discuss her takeaways from the conference. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Which state legislators went to the National Conference of State Legislatures Legislative Summit in Indianapolis?
Alex Bores, Michaelle Solages, Jo Anne Simon, Brian Cunningham, David Weprin and I all came from the Convention. Senators in attendance were Kristen Gonzalez, Roxanne Persaud and Zellnor Myrie.
What lessons did you learn from other states at the conference?
Sometimes in New York we take for granted the power we have with a Democratic majority. I learned about the challenges other states face when Democrats are in the minority. One thing it reminded me of was the power we have in New York to do great things and that we need to make sure we use it to pass legislation that can be a leader nationally. It has made me truly proud to be a member of a legislature that is driving progressive legislation.
Was the conference similar to Somos? How was it different?
I think the Somos conference has a stronger social and networking component. There was a social component to NCSL, but there was a big focus on politics and it was a really strong conference that had a lot of different sessions. The aspect of being able to connect with legislators from around the country is also something you don't get during Somos because it's very New York-focused and NCSL is national.
Other than being able to stand on the Indianapolis Colts field, what was your biggest takeaway from the conference?
Well, a couple of things that were decisive for me were that I was able to network with a variety of advocacy groups on a number of different issues. It really gave me a range of resources to draw on for future legislation. I also appreciated the opportunity to interact with the (National Asian Asia Pacific American Caucus of State Legislators), which happened right before NCSL. This was an opportunity to network with AAPI legislators from 13 other states across the country. We talked about the AAPI curriculum bill. It was really great to hear the perspective of the Illinois legislator who passed this bill, as well as to hear about the strategies other states are taking to promote it. As the sponsor of the AAPI curriculum bill in the Assembly here in New York, I will certainly take away some of these strategies and the resources they use to hopefully be successful in passing my legislation next year. But I would say, more generally, is that other states really look to New York as a model for legislation. I think it's important for us as legislators to recognize the role we have in driving progressive change, not just in New York State, but across the country.
How was it decided who would go?
Anyone is allowed to attend the conference. It is a voluntary attendance. Legislators do not attend for different reasons. For example, it doesn't work with their schedule or they have other commitments in the district.
Why go to these conferences?
I think it's very important for us to know what's going on in other states and to meet with other legislators. We all have something we can all learn from each other and having the opportunity to be in a space and share experiences and learn about each other's legislation is very important. It's an opportunity to share the great work New York State is doing.
