Republicans say they learned a lot from this past week’s Council of State Governments Eastern Regional Conference.
In the GOP’s weekly message, House Minority Whip Deborah Hudson (R-Fairthorne) says conferences like these can help lawmakers from across the region compare what is and isn’t working in their respective states.
Hudson says it also allows them to collectively create a bigger voice when it comes to law and policy nationwide.
“This intergovernmental cooperation plays an essential role in our relations with the federal government. By banding together, we’re better able to influence federal law and policies collectively imposed on all of us,” she said.
11 states, five Canadian provinces, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands met for four days at the Chase Center on the Riverfront in Wilmington.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2SbNmNGxYl8&feature=youtu.be
Full text of GOP's weekly message:
Hi, I’m State Representative Deborah Hudson speaking to you from the Chase Center on the Riverfront in Wilmington.
It was on this site that Delaware just finished hosting the annual meeting of the Council of State Governments Eastern Regional Conference.
The C-S-G Eastern Regional Conference consists of 11 states, five Canadian provinces, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. It is just one of the legislative policy organizations to which our state belongs.
While largely invisible to the public, the work of organizations like the Council of State Governments and the National Conference of State Legislatures helps to shape state policy.
Most states face common challenges. The ways in which they rise to meet them can be quite different, with approaches ranging from the novel to the mundane.
In just a sampling of what was covered at our three-day conference, we discussed new models for delivering cost-effective health care; veterans’ issues; agriculture; and the hurdles facing states trying to create jobs and build robust economies.
Multi-state legislative organizations act as clearinghouses for research and for legislation introduced elsewhere.
They also serve to network state lawmakers. By comparing notes, we benefit from our shared experiences, avoiding costly mistakes, identifying promising ideas, and sparking creativity.
Finally, this intergovernmental cooperation plays an essential role in our relations with the federal government. By banding together, we’re better able to influence federal law and policies collectively imposed on all of us.
Delaware lawmakers pride ourselves on the close personal ties we have to our districts and constituents. By also fashioning close relationships with our colleagues in other states and nations, we are better able to serve our people here.