PROGRAM
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On-Demand Modules
Module 1:
Effective Legislative Leadership
Today’s political climate demands that state legislators be able to carefully navigate a hyper-partisan political environment while also addressing pressing public policy issues that can improve the quality of life and opportunities for the constituents in their states. Successful policymaking, leadership, and governance requires a myriad of skills that include the ability to build relationships within a member’s own party/caucus, with colleagues from diverse political backgrounds, and with key stakeholders. In this module, participants will hear from their peers on best practices for being an effective state legislator, how to successfully confront and overcome challenges within their legislative bodies, and how to build trust and relationships as they pursue their policy agendas.
Moderator: Hon. Bonnie García, National Director of Legislative Affairs, ecoATM-Gazelle; Former California State Assemblymember; Board Member, NALEO Educational Fund
- Hon. Mary Gonzalez, Texas State Representative; Vice Chair, Mexican American Legislative Caucus; Vice Chair, Board of Hispanic Caucus Chairs; Board Member, NALEO Educational Fund
- Hon. Gustavo Rivera, New York State Senator; Board Member, NALEO
Module 2:
The Essentials of State Budgets and 2021 Fiscal Outlook
The COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing recession have dramatically altered states’ fiscal conditions in record time. According to the National Association of State Budget Officers, some states are projecting revenue declines of up to 20 percent between now and the end of fiscal year 2021. In comparison, during the Great Recession, state revenues declined 11 percent. This is not business as usual for state legislators entering the 2021 Legislative Sessions. This module will provide participants with a 2021 fiscal outlook for states and key insight from peers with extensive experience serving in the Appropriations and Budget Committees, in both chambers, to illustrate how states allocate funding resources to meet the needs of their constituents.
Moderator: Hon. Armando Walle, Texas State Representative; Member, Appropriations Committee
- Hon. Luz Escamilla, Utah State Senator; Minority Whip; Member, Executive Appropriations Committee
- Hon. Brian Sigritz, Director of State Fiscal Studies, The National Association of State Budget Officers
Module 3:
The Essentials of Digital Communications –
Part 1
This crash course will help you “up your game” in digital communications. Whether you are a newly elected official, or a seasoned politico, this module will give you tools to better tell your story, make the best use of social media and digital communications, and understand how and where to find the audience you want to reach. Added bonus – Lucy will share her top recommendations for how legislators can improve and manage their digital communications strategies.
- Hon. Lucy Flores, CEO and Co-founder, Luz Collective; Former Nevada State Assemblymember
Upcoming
Plenary – Preparing for the 2021 Legislative Session: Developing a Policy Framework for a COVID-19 Recovery
Tuesday, December 1, 2020
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. PT
Legislators continuously must craft policy proposals and respond to real-world policy challenges that face their constituents in their states. In preparation for the 2021 Legislative Sessions, this plenary will provide participants with the opportunity to practice key governance skill sets and utilize a decision-making process model aimed to support legislators in their development of a cohesive policy agenda to help support their states and constituents.
Moderator: Hon. Ricardo Lara, California Insurance Commissioner; NALEO President
- Ms. Sonja Diaz, Executive Director, Latino Policy and Politics Initiative, University of California, Los Angeles
- Presentation Slides: Download
Past Sessions
Leading with Integrity: Ethics for Elected Officials
Tuesday, November 10, 2020
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. PT
Recording unavailable.
Public officials must be wise stewards of resources that promote good government. They also have the difficult job of balancing the needs and interests of diverse constituencies while adhering to their fiduciary responsibilities and maintaining the public’s trust. This plenary will highlight best practices for adhering to the highest ethical standards and practices, strategies for strong ethical decision-making and will provide participants with an overview of the most common ethics related questions that state legislators face.
Moderator: Hon. Mara Candelaria Reardon, Indiana State Representative; Chair, Board of Hispanic Caucus Chairs; Chair, NALEO Educational Fund
- Mr. Victor R. Salgado, Senior Litigation Counsel, Public Integrity Section, Criminal Division, United States Department of Justice
The Essentials of Digital Communications – Part 2
(Live Q&A)
Friday, November 13, 2020
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. PT
Did you see Part I and have questions? We got you! Join this LIVE Q&A with Lucy to get answers, engage, and share ideas.
- Hon. Lucy Flores, CEO and Co-founder, Luz Collective; Former Nevada State Assemblymember
Preparing for the 2021 Legislative Session: Forging a Stronger Tomorrow
Tuesday, November 17, 2020
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. PT
As the United States continues to become more diverse, the role of the Latino community in shaping our country’s future economic and civic strength is more significant than ever. However, the coronavirus epidemic poses a significant threat to the Latino community. Ensuring the success of Latino families in shaping our country’s future economic strength and prosperity is more urgent than ever. This plenary will provide an overview of the state of Latino families and children in the United States. The discussion will also explore the policy challenges and opportunities that exist to support the success of families and children in communities across the country in the recovery efforts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Moderator: Hon. Jeffrey Sanchez, Lecturer, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health; Senior Advisor, Rasky Partners, Inc.; Former Massachusetts State Representative; Board Member, NALEO
- Hon. Ana Gutierrez, Senior Director, Jobs For the Future;
Former Vice-Mayor, City of Brentwood, California - Ms. Mayra E. Alvarez, President, The Children’s Partnership
- Dr. Lynette Fraga, Chief Executive Office, Childcare Aware of America
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Virtual Mentor “Cafecitos”
*Only open to Newly Elected Officials
These “Cafecitos” will provide newly elected legislators with an opportunity to meet seasoned state legislators from across the country in a welcoming NALEO virtual setting to discuss pressing topics, share knowledge, and ask questions to prepare for the 2021 Legislative Session.
Morning “Cafecito”
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. ET*
Afternoon “Cafecito”
3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. PT*
A Word from our sponsors
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