RACSS Newsletter. By Mark Mitchell Committee Staff Administrator, Legislative Research Commission, Kentucky RACSS Chair

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1 Research and Committee Staff Section RACSS Newsletter Chair s Column By Mark Mitchell Committee Staff Administrator, Legislative Research Commission, Kentucky RACSS Chair RACSS Newsletter, Spring 2012 Mark Mitchell RACSS Chair Get Some RACSS Time After Session! So here we are in the midst of session. We ve all got that thousand yard stare and have to look at the pictures on our desks to remember our family members faces. But there will come a time when the Interim breaks out between legislative sessions and our thoughts will turn to professional development. You thought I was going to say sleep, didn t you? NCSL is committed to the professional development needs of staff. When we, as the executive committee of the Research and Committee Staff Section, are planning our professional development seminars we are but eight members, plus our former chair and our handy staff liaison. We try to have a broad geographic representation on our committee membership as well as a broad representation of career stages; however, I think we tend to skew to the more experienced side of the career service spectrum. Having said that, RACSS constituency is around 1,300 staffers throughout the country and its territories. This constituency is composed of people with decades of experience on one side, to people with ten minutes experience on the other. So the long and short of it is, while we are conscientious about our duties as stewards of your professional development needs, we are not psychic. Even though the executive committee thinks long and hard about what we perceive as being timely and helpful topics to schedule at our professional development opportunities, the better in tune we are with our constituency, the better we can serve it. So this is where you come in. I want you to know that RACSS is your staff section. It exists to serve you. How can you ensure that RACSS is responsive to your needs? It s simple, really. Keep in touch with us. Tell us what topics you want to have at our professional development seminars and at the Legislative Summit. We want to hear from you. Sure, times are tough, and budgets are not limitless, but by hearing from you, we can identify themes and evaluate how best to serve. How can you get in touch with us? Glad you asked. Here are some ideas: us. This is perhaps the most direct way, other than tackling us at a summit. On the Research and Committee Staff Section page under officers, you ll find out who we are, and under each officer you ll find our Continued on page 2 Highlights Chair s Column Staff Awards 2012 Legislative Summit Agenda RACSS Fall Seminar in Madison LSMI 2012 RACSS Elections

2 Page 2 RACSS Newsletter, Spring 2012 Chair s Column, continued addresses as well as our phone numbers. Here s that website: legislative-staff.aspx?tabs=857,44,170. Fill out those surveys NCSL staff hands out after the conference. Sure, you don t want to miss your flight, and surveys in general do not stimulate the pleasure centers of our brains, but NCSL staff, and certainly our liaison, reads these things and reports back to us with the data. Our staff section always talks about the surveys after the seminars and conferences. Your input regarding the successes, or less than satisfying results, of a topic are heard as is your desire for specific topics. Respond to the surveys we send out on occasion (like the one we just did ). Find us and talk to us at the Legislative Summit and at the various professional development seminars. Now you have a few ways to reach us. But we need topics. What makes a good topic idea? A good topic idea shares a majority of these qualities: Applicability across the states. A good seminar topic would be applicable in most, if not all, states. Everyone else in the country would be bored if a seminar was held explaining Kentucky s usage of proof-reader marks in bill drafts (unless of course we were trailblazing in that area and the rest of the country was hungering for advanced proofreading marks, which isn t the case as of today). NCSL is currently addressing immigration issues which has commanded much attention of late. A few years ago, it dealt with the Liberty Township/Wal-Mart case where property rights of owners were challenged. I remember that seminar had people straining to hear from outside the room. Often our staff section deals with writing issues, or using these somewhat newer socially-based web applications, such as Facebook. Timeliness no ad nauseum explorations of the differences between thee and thou in legislation although trends in language use certainly have their place. Focus on our actual jobs. What challenges do you face (as a novice, as a mid-level employee, or as an experienced employee)? In addition, and for example, from a research perspective, do you have problems with using the Census? Do you use the Census? From a personal perspective, do you find working with others difficult? From an administrative perspective, how do you keep your staff motivated? Don t forget about the elements of communication such as constructing bullet-resistant sentences. Has anyone read Eats, Shoots & Leaves by Lynne Truss? Specificity. A good topic is specific enough to impart practical knowledge, yet general enough to still be interesting across the board. We had a recent webinar on drafting criminal law ( -law.aspx) that I thought was most successful. It provided a balanced approach to constructing an effective penalty, but didn t go too far as to try to discuss integrating the criminal law within each state s penal code. So there you have it. Help us help you. We begin planning the curricula for the Annual Summit and the Professional Development Seminars early in the year of the event (like in January and February). I think this year we have some compelling seminar topics planned. I and my fellow executive committee members look forward to seeing you in the Windy City, August 6-9, for the Legislative Summit, and certainly hope to see you at our 2012 Research and Committee Staff Section Professional Development Seminar, October 10-12, in Madison, Wisconsin. And since I m sticking in all sorts of hyperlinks, here s one for Madison: Looks like it could be fun! Now get back to work.

3 RACSS Newsletter, Spring 2012 Page 3 Legislative Staff Achievement Award Nominations Deadline: May 25, 2012 Nominations are now being accepted for the 2012 Legislative Staff Achievement Award, from RACSS. The Award recognizes legislative staff or legislative staff agencies that have demonstrated excellence in their legislative careers and also contributed to the activities of the Research and Committee Staff Section. The Legislative Staff Achievement Award was instituted in 1997 by the Legislative Staff Coordinating Committee, as a means for the ten NCSL staff sections to annually recognize legislative staff or offices that have demonstrated excellence in supporting the work of a state legislature and strengthening the legislative institution, and in contributing to the work of NCSL. The awards have added meaning in that they are bestowed by the recipients peers through each of the ten staff sections and the NCSL Staff Chair. The 2012 Awards Committee members are all past recipients of the Legislative Staff Achievement Award. Karl Aro of Maryland, Bryant Howe of Utah, and Pepper Sturm of Nevada will serve on this year's Awards Committee. The awards will be presented during the NCSL Legislative Summit, August 6-9, 2012, in Chicago, Illinois. RACSS Award Criteria The Legislative Staff Achievement Award recognizes RACSS members who have: Demonstrated exceptional professionalism, competence, and integrity in serving their state legislature; Improved the effectiveness of their legislative institution; and Contributed to the work of the Research and Committee Staff Section. Recipients may be individual legislative staff, staff teams or legislative staff offices. How to Submit a Nomination If you would like to nominate a legislative staff person, team or office for their outstanding work, please submit a letter of nomination, via , outlining the nominee s legislative accomplishments and contributions to RACSS activities. Nominations should be addressed to the RACSS Awards Committee and ed to RACSS Secretary, Jeanne Mejeur, by Friday, May 25, For more information, call Jeanne at (303) or her at jeanne.mejeur@ncsl.org. Deadline The deadline for submitting nominations for the 2012 Legislative Staff Achievement Award is Friday, May 25, 2012.

4 Page 4 RACSS Newsletter, Spring 2012 RACSS 2011 Legislative Summit Sessions August 6 9, 2012 Chicago, Illinois RACSS officers have planned a number of interesting and informative sessions for staff section members. Sessions include programs on records retention, nonpartisan staff roles, new member orientations, constituent services, legislative history and intent, and balanced research. In addition, RACSS will hold its annual Business Meeting during a Wednesday morning breakfast and gather for an informal Dutch Treat dinner Monday night. More details will be available online in the coming weeks at The schedule is shown below. Monday 8/6/12 Tuesday 8/7/12 Wednesday 8/8/12 Thursday 8/9/12 Pre-Conferences LSCC Task Forces International 7:30-12:00 Prayer Breakfast 8:00-8:45 8:00-8:45 RACSS Roundtable: Looking Ahead: Nonpartisan Staff Roles General Session Pollsters Peter Hart & Neil Newhouse 9:00-10:15 Standing Committees 10:30-12:00 Bipartisan Bike Ride 6:00-7:30 Staff Section Breakfasts 8:00-9:15 RACSS Business Meeting Issue Forums 9:30-10:45 Issue Forums 11:00-12:15 Atlanta Kickoff Exhibit Hall Luncheon 12:00-1:30 Walk for Wellness 6:00-7:30 General Session John Engler and Douglas Oberhelman 9:00-10:15 NCSL Business Meeting 10:30-12:15 New Attendee Orientation 12:30-1:15 Opening General Session Economist Diane Swonk 1:30-3:00 Standing Committees 3:15-5:00 3:15-5:00 RACSS: Records Retention: What to Keep and How to Keep It Standing Committees 12:00-4:30 Legislative Staff University Laree Kiely, Kielygroup 3:15-4:45 4:45-5:45 RACSS: Subject Matter Orientation Programs for Legislators Issue Forums 1:30-2:45 Salute to Legislative Staff Strong Stewards: A Tribute to Legislative Staff Mary Crane 3:00-4:30 4:30-5:30 RACSS: Helping the Public: Constituent Services Programs General Session Doris Kearns Goodwin 12:30-2:00 2:15-3:30 RACSS & LRL: Researching Legislative History or Intent 3:30-4:45 RACSS & LRL: Avoiding Bias and Preparing Balanced Research RACSS Dutch Treat Dinner 6:30 Opening Reception 6:30-9:00 Windy City Welcome at the Museum of Science and Industry States Night (individual state sponsors) Closing Reception 6:30-9:30 Musical Feast at Millennium Park

5 RACSS Newsletter, Spring 2012 Page 5 RACSS 2012 Professional Development Seminar October 10-12, 2012 Madison, Wisconsin RACSS is one of six NCSL staff sections presenting "SuperPDS 2012," a joint staff section seminar in Madison, Wisconsin. The meeting is being held at the Madison Concourse Hotel and the Wisconsin State Capitol. RACSS sessions will take place Oct , All six staff sections will meet jointly for plenary programs, some meals, and a reception at the Wisconsin State Capitol. Groups that have similar interests may hold additional joint sessions, such as research and bill drafting staff. Each group will also present sessions designed specifically for their members. Participating staff sections are: Leadership Staff Section (LSS) Legal Services Staff Section (LSSS) Legislative Information and Communications Staff Section (LINCS) National Association of Legislative Information Technology (NALIT) National Legislative Services and Security Association (NLSSA) Research and Committee Staff Section (RACSS) Potential RACSS sessions include: Hyper-Connectedness Strategic Planning for Legislative Staff Agencies Elections and Voter ID Laws The Editorial Mind LSSS Distinguished Legal Scholar Series Thoughts From the Bench: Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Confidentiality of Drafting Records Thinking Skills Best Practices in Writing Bill Analyses Dealing With the Press 2011 Legislative Session Roundtable Written Communication Skills Downtown Madison and the Wisconsin State Capitol. More information about the agenda will be provided in the coming months on the RACSS web page, at Draft Seminar Schedule TIME Wed., Oct. 10 Thurs., Oct. 11 Fri., Oct. 12 8:30-9:45 Plenary Program Plenary Program RACSS Session 10:00-11:15 Joint RACSS/LSSS Joint RACSS/LSSS Joint RACSS/LSSS 11:15 12:15 Joint RACSS/LSSS Joint RACSS/LSSS Joint RACSS/LSSS 12:15-1:45 RACSS Luncheon Plenary Luncheon Seminar Concludes 1:45 3:00 RACSS Session RACSS Session 3:15-4:15 RACSS Session RACSS Session 4:15 5:30 RACSS Sessions RACSS Session 6:30 Capitol Reception

6 Page 6 RACSS Newsletter, Spring Legislative Staff Management Institute LSMI 2012 Aug. 25 Sept. 1 Sacramento, California Applications Due: May 25, 2012 More Info: ncsl.org/ legislativestaff.aspx? tabs=856,32,817 Applications are now being accepted for the 2012 Legislative Staff Management Institute (LSMI), being held August 25 September 1, 2012 in Sacramento, California. Legislative staff participants gain valuable insight during LSMI s eight-day program of highlyinteractive seminars, discussions and team building exercises with leading faculty and trainers from throughout the country. The focus is on knowing and understanding the challenges of managing in the legislative setting. The University of Southern California Sol Price School of Public Policy and the California State University Sacramento Center for California Studies co-direct the program. Eligibility This program is intended for both senior-level legislative staff, as well as staffers on their way to such positions from throughout the country. Acceptance into the program is competitive as the program size is limited. Cost The $2,250 per participant fee includes a sevennight (7) stay at the Sheraton Grand Hotel Sacramento; meals, field trips, materials, and eight days of high level faculty presentations. Participants pay significantly less than the actual costs because of generous contributions from the NCSL Foundation, the Morris Smith and Union Pacific Foundation, USC, and Sacramento State. Tim Rice (right), 2011 NCSL Staff Chair, leads a discussion at an LSMI session. Program The LSMI Program developed by USC and CCS focuses on practical application of concepts and tools that legislative staff can use to meet the increasingly complex policy and management demands that confront state legislatures throughout the country. The curriculum has five major components: 1) Interactive Seminars Interactive seminars with experience-based learning for eight days; Distance learning prior to and after the program through the Internet; Legislative content specific to current issues and staff; Management processes for leadership and personal growth; and Group activities outside of the conference room. The seminars include opportunities for the participants to practice specific management processes. Faculty will place these management practices in the context of the legislative institution. A distinguishing feature of successful leaders is the use of varied processes to develop consensus, involve employees and constituencies, and create a shared vision. To this end, effective training provides knowledge of processes and content at different levels, including individual skills, group process, organizational aspects and legislative context.

7 RACSS Newsletter, Spring 2012 Page 7 2) Distance Learning A Web-based class management tool provides three major benefits: 3) Legislative Content Before Connecting participants before and after the residential session. During Sharing of expectations prior to and after the conference. After Facilitating use of online communication as a management skill. The program draws on professionals with considerable legislative experience. These professionals have teaching and presentation expertise and extend discussions to legislative issues from throughout the United States. Several presenters are former elected leaders who worked on strengthening staff professionalism within their legislatures. 4) Management Processes The management process pieces are presented each day. The faculty draws on public and private sector experience to promote best practices and identify research findings. The emphasis is on the discussion, practice and application of skills important to effective management and leadership. The sessions are highly interactive and include the following: 5) Outside Activities An assessment tool (LEA) that you will ask five of your colleagues or staff to fill out before the Institute begins. Classroom simulation exercises on group processes, organizational learning, trust building and communication. A personal assessment (DISC) of your decision making style. The program includes mild physical activities that provide team challenges and reinforce lessons learned in the classroom. The program includes a private tour of the California State Capitol, and educational, social and cultural activities in San Francisco and Sacramento. Admissions A candidate's admission will be determined by the nature of his or her current responsibilities, accomplishments, challenges faced, and potential for future public policy contributions. Participants will be chosen to include a diversity of backgrounds, geographical regions, and varieties of legislatures. Candidates will be notified of their status approximately two weeks after the application deadline. Applications are now being accepted. Application forms are available online on NCSL s website. The postmark deadline for applications is May 25, Applications should be sent to: David Pacheco, LSMI Application Director Center for California Studies California State University, Sacramento 6000 J Street Sacramento, CA Phone: (916) dpacheco@saclink.csus.edu For more information, contact Karl Kurtz, at NCSL, at or karl.kurtz@ncsl.org, or visit LSMI was a career-changing experience for me. The training was spot-on in terms of being tailored to legislative staff, and very relevant to my day-to-day job. California legislative staff director

8 Page 8 RACSS Newsletter, Spring RACSS Elections Nomination Deadline: June 8, 2012 RACSS Officers Chair: Mark Mitchell, Kentucky Vice Chair: Walker Reagan, North Carolina Immediate Past Chair: Pepper Sturm, Nevada Directors: Dave Bohyer, Montana Charlotte Carter- Yamauchi, Hawaii Cindy Ellison, Texas Bryant Howe, Utah Sabrina Lewellen, Arkansas Sharon Wenger, Kansas Secretary: Jeanne Mejeur, NCSL If you re interested in serving on the RACSS Executive Committee, here s your opportunity to become more involved. RACSS members will elect new officers at the staff section's annual Business Meeting, being held Wednesday, August 8, 2012, in conjunction with the NCSL Legislative Summit in Chicago, Illinois. Below are details on the openings and the nominating procedures. Openings Vice-chair (one opening): The vice-chair is elected to a one-year term. After the one-year term, he or she automatically becomes RACSS chair the following year and then continues on the Executive Committee as immediate past chair for the subsequent year. Candidates for vice-chair should have past experience in serving on the RACSS Executive Committee or have been active with the staff section or NCSL. Directors (three openings): Directors serve a two-year term on the RACSS Executive Committee. Under the RACSS Bylaws, directors may serve two consecutive terms. RACSS has six directors in total and three are up for election each year. No prior RACSS service is required to run for director positions, although past participation in RACSS or NCSL activities is a plus. Criteria The Nominating Committee considers a candidate s legislative experience and past participation in RACSS and NCSL activities. The committee will also strongly consider geographic and diversity issues on the committee. Ability to travel is not required but is preferable. Note that no travel stipends are provided to RACSS officers, so be sure to check with your legislature for approval prior to submitting your nomination. Nominating Committee RACSS Vice-chair Walker Reagan of North Carolina chairs this year s Nominating Committee and serves with Immediate Past Chair Pepper Sturm and Executive Committee member Sabrina Lewellen of Arkansas. How to Apply If you re interested, please first seek the approval of your legislature or director. Then submit a letter of candidacy, via , outlining your legislative experience and RACSS involvement. Nominations should be addressed to Walker Reagan, Chair, RACSS Nominating Committee, and ed to jeanne.mejeur@ncsl.org at NCSL. Deadline: June 8, 2012 Nominations must be received in the Denver office by Friday, June 8, For more information, please jeanne.mejeur@ncsl.org, or call (303)