National Conference of State Legislatures

The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) is committed to improving the quality and effectiveness of state legislatures; fostering interstate communication, cooperation, and information sharing among state legislatures; and ensuring that legislatures have a strong, cohesive voice in the federal system.

The NCSL was founded in 1975 with the conviction that legislative service is one of democracy's worthiest pursuits. NCSL is a source for research, publications, consulting assistance, meetings, and seminars, and is recognized as the pre-eminent bipartisan organization dedicated to serving the lawmakers and staffs of the nation's 50 states, its commonwealths and territories. NCSL is an effective and respected voice for the states in Washington, D.C., representing their interests before Congress, the administration and federal agencies. Furthermore, NCSL creates opportunities for legislators to cooperate and collaborate in a non-partisan environment.

Partnership Activities

CDC awarded funds to NCSL to develop and implement educational initiatives for legislative policymakers on chronic and environmental disease control, including cancer prevention and control. The goal of these initiatives is to assist policymakers in developing effective public health policy at the state level by providing them with accurate, comprehensive, and timely information on chronic and environmental disease issues, including cancer issues. Therefore, the NCSL informs legislators about current and emerging public health system problems and health problems facing their constituents, educates them about possible solutions to those problems, and provides them with an analysis of legislative trends in public health.

NCSL's methods for educating legislators include four different newsletters, other publications such as topic-specific postcard mailings, materials posted on and exchanged via the Internet, and the convening of national meetings and conferences. NCSL researches critical state issues and compiles comprehensive information for CDC about state legislative actions and interest in public health. NCSL and CDC also meet annually to exchange ideas and information.

National Conference of State Legislatures
7700 E. First Pl.
Denver, CO 80230
Telephone: (303) 364-7700
Fax: (303) 364-7800
www.ncsl.org*

*Links to non-Federal organizations found at this site are provided solely as a service to our users. These links do not constitute an endorsement of these organizations or their programs by CDC or the Federal Government, and none should be inferred. CDC is not responsible for the content of the individual organization Web pages found at these links.