All Western legislators are members of CSG West and are invited to attend the Annual Meeting.
For all questions about the Annual Meeting, please contact csgwam@csg.org.
Schedule as of September 10, 2025.
Please view the conference app for the most up-to-date version.
Tuesday, September 16
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 2:00-6:00 p.m. | Registration Opens Attendees are asked to check in at the registration desk to receive meeting information and credentials. |
| 5:00-6:30 p.m. | Women Shaping the Future of State Legislatures Meet the new wave of women lawmakers transforming state capitols with bold ideas, fresh perspectives, and a commitment to collaboration. Hear their stories, challenges, and vision for shaping policy and political culture for the future. Co-Hosted with Women in Government |
| 5:30-6:30 p.m. | Friends & Family Meet n’ Greet |
| 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Wyoming Welcome Dinner CSG West Chair Rep. Mike Yin, alongside the Wyoming Host Committee, will welcome legislative colleagues, experts, and guests at this kickoff of the 78th CSG West Annual Meeting. |
| 8:30-10:00 p.m. | Networking Event–Wyoming Night (Invite Only) A special event hosted by Wyoming for legislators and meeting sponsors. |
Wednesday, September 17
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 7:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. | Registration Open Attendees are asked to check in at the registration desk to receive meeting information and credentials. |
| 7:30-8:15 a.m. | Opening Ceremony and Breakfast Open to all registered attendees and guests, this morning’s breakfast will feature the Annual Meeting Opening Ceremony. Following the posting of the colors, pledge of allegiance, and national anthem, CSG West Chair, Representative Mike Yin, will offer an official welcome to kick off the meeting activities. |
| 8:30-10:00 a.m. | The Future of Nuclear Energy in the West Chair’s Forum As Western states work to meet growing energy demands and climate goals, nuclear energy is gaining renewed attention from policymakers. This session explores recent legislative and federal actions supporting nuclear power, including lifting moratoriums, introducing incentives, and setting emission targets. It will also examine the role of nuclear energy in the regional grid and address public concerns around plant safety and nuclear waste storage. |
| 8:30-10:00 a.m. | Coalition Building on the Final Frontier: The Alaska Way Annual Legislative Training Assembly (ALTA) Hosted by Alaska Representative Alyse Galvin, President of the Western Legislative Academy, this interactive session will highlight how the unique political and geographic landscape of Alaska has allowed legislators of our nation’s largest and northernmost state to form tri-partisan governing coalitions in an era of divisive polarization. Participants will engage with a panel of current legislative leaders and walk away with new approaches and tactics for finding common ground with colleagues and forging effective public policy in their own statehouses. |
| 8:30-9:20 a.m. | Understanding Digital Payments Learn how the electronic payments ecosystem works, including the roles played by issuing banks/credit unions, payment networks and point-of-sale systems, as well as the economic impact to consumers and merchants. Gain insights into the history and future of payments, data security/fraud prevention and regulatory concerns. This Legislative Learning Lab session is sponsored by JPMorganChase. |
| 9:30-10:20 a.m. | Food is Medicine: What States Need to Know Food is Medicine (FIM) is gaining traction as a promising strategy to improve health outcomes and reduce costs by integrating nutrition into health care. This session will explore how states are using tools like Medicaid 1115 waivers to test FIM interventions, what early evidence shows, and why rigorous evaluation is key to policy sustainability. Policymakers will learn how states can leverage well-designed pilots to build toward enduring, impactful policy solutions that make healthy food a core part of health care. This Legislative Learning Lab session is sponsored by American Heart Association. |
| 10:00-10:30 a.m. | Refreshment Break at the Capitol Connections Café A great place to connect with colleagues, the Capitol Connections Café welcomes attendees to sit, sip, and recharge between sessions. Sponsored by ExxonMobil |
| 10:30-12:30 p.m. | From Ashes to Action: Recovering from Wildfire – Part 1 Lessons that save lives and property rise from the ashes of tragedy. Wildfires are becoming more intense and frequent across the West, creating significant financial challenges for federal and state leaders to respond. The insurance industry also faces mounting concerns about rising costs in fire-prone areas. Reducing risks before a fire occurs is a common theme. National experts will share valuable insights with legislators on these topics. Hosted by the CSG West Wildfires & Disaster Preparedness Committee |
| 10:30-11:20 a.m. | Prior Authorization and Step Therapy’s impact on Medicaid Patients and Government Spending The session will examine how prior authorization and step therapy, which are intended to reduce drug spend, can harm Medicaid beneficiaries living with serious mental illness and drive spend in other government programs. It will then review states that have restricted use of these tools. This Legislative Learning Lab session is sponsored by Abbvie, Lundbeck, and Otsuka. |
| 10:30-12:30 p.m. | Westrends Board Data released by the National Association of State Budget Officers (NASBO) last year suggested state budgets were expected to shrink substantially this fiscal year in comparison to immediate past years for many reasons. One not necessarily anticipated at that time is tariffs. Tariffs affect both specific industries and overall economic activity by increasing operating costs on business that depend on any component to their product that is imported and can result in a decrease of tax revenue if the more expensive products are not purchased or purchased at the same level. Join members to learn more about the impacts of tariffs on state economies and how United States and Canada cross-border integrated manufacturing industries can experience compounding effects since these goods cross the border multiple times before becoming final products. |
| 10:30-12:30 p.m. | CSG West Nominating Committee (Invite Only) Based on the bipartisan rotation, the Nominating Committee will consider Republican candidates for the 2026 vice chair position, which will rotate to the role of chair in 2028. Applicants must be members of the Executive Committee. Reach out to Edgar Ruiz to learn more. |
| 11:30-12:20 p.m. | Beyond the Premium: The Modern Health Insurer’s Role The session highlights market-leading interoperability and prior authorization reform initiatives and how those advances reduce costs, improve patient access to appropriate care, and decrease provider burden. As the public examines the role of health insurers, policymakers can hear about how member premiums are put to work for patients and contribute to the ongoing evolution of health care. This Legislative Learning Lab session is sponsored by Regence. |
| 12:30-2:15 p.m. | Lunch Featuring Keynote Speaker Lynsey Dyer Lynsey Dyer is a professional skier, award-winning filmmaker, and advocate for outdoor recreation and conservation, known for turning the impossible into reality. As co-founder of SheJumps.org, she has inspired over 100,000 women and girls to connect with the outdoors. Her groundbreaking film Pretty Faces, the first all-female action sports film, raised $113K on Kickstarter, sold out 100 grassroots screenings, and helped make the ski industry more inclusive. A published photographer, Lynsey’s work in National Geographic earned “Best of the Year” recognition and launched the Bing platform. She made history as the first woman to land the 75-foot Fat Bastard cliff outside Jackson Hole, earning multiple Female Skier of the Year titles from Powder and Freeskier Magazines. A TEDx speaker and host of ShowingUP with Lynsey Dyer, she inspires audiences with stories of overcoming barriers, advancing outdoor tourism, and preserving wilderness. Lynsey has spoken for TEDx, Google, Silicon Valley Bank, and YPO, empowering leaders to embrace adventure and drive economic and environmental impact. |
| 2:30-3:20 p.m. | Youth Wellbeing – Parental Tools for Platform Safety Learn Meta’s comprehensive approach to partnering with parents to create a safe online environment for teens. Instagram’s Teen Accounts, a new experience with built-in restrictions for teens, guided by parents, will be highlighted. Understand how parents can be empowered to manage their teens’ online experiences, which include using an average of 40 different apps, and hear from a parent who will provide their perspective with her kids, as they navigate the digital world. This Legislative Learning Lab Session is Sponsored by Meta. |
| 2:30-4:30 p.m. | Powering the West: Approaches to Energy Growth & Continuity Western states are shaping energy policy and grid infrastructure through a combination of legislation, regional coordination, and strategic investments. These efforts focus on: – Grid Modernization & Regional Coordination – Renewable Energy & Storage Initiatives – Clean Energy & Climate Legislation – Fossil Fuel & Dispatchability Policies The CSG West Energy & The Grid Committee will study and discuss these approaches and focus on promising solutions states are using to meet the growth of energy demand and provide energy sufficiency and affordability. Hosted by the CSG West Energy & The Grid Committee |
| 2:30-4:30 p.m. | Innovate to Elevate: Technology’s Impact on the Future of Employment This session will provide Western policymakers with a forward-looking venue to discuss technological advancements transforming industries, jobs, and society. Hosted by the CSG West Technology & The Future of Work Committee, areas of focus will include artificial intelligence, automation, online collaboration tools, and additive manufacturing, as well as their broader social, economic, and policy implications. The session will aim to equip legislators with insights to address challenges and harness opportunities in the evolving workplace. Hosted by the CSG West Technology & Future of Work Committee |
| 3:30-4:20 p.m. | Consumer Choice in Car Buying Legislatures across the country have responded to technological advances and consumer preferences in the automotive sales and service market. In 2025, several states limited options to purchase vehicles directly from manufacturers while several others declined to advance legislation that would restrict consumer choice in car buying. Join us to learn about the history of the franchise car dealership model, the advent of direct sales, and the public policy considerations lawmakers will continue to face in 2026 and beyond. This Legislative Learning Lab session is sponsored by Scout Motors. |
| 5:00-6:00 p.m. | Sponsored Receptions – American Clean Power – Consulate General of Canada |
| 6:30-8:00 p.m. | State Government Affairs Council (SGAC) Reception |
| 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Western Legislative Academy (WLA) 25th Anniversary Reception |
Thursday, September 18
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 7:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m. | Registration Open Attendees are asked to check in at the registration desk to receive meeting information and credentials. |
| 7:30-8:15 a.m. | General Breakfast Start your day of sessions with a delicious breakfast open to all registered attendees. This breakfast is sponsored by AAA Mountain West Group. |
| 8:30-10:00 a.m. | Child Protection and Safety Science Child safety is one of the most critical, and complex state policy arenas. Common responses to tragic events have done little to improve safety. Today, research is increasingly available to guide child protection agencies in creating a safety culture that is more effective in protecting children from harm. This session will feature national work to identify and understand systemic barriers to child safety, and explore strategies effectuate change. Led by National Experts, Michael Cull, Director of the National Partnership of Child Safety and Executive Committee Member, Korin Schmidt, Wyoming Child and Safety Director, this session will be moderated by Casey Family Programs Director of Public Policy Vanessa Spagnoli. This session will provide a high-level overview of the work of the National Partnership of Child Safety and an introduction to Safety Science and its application to eliminating child abuse and neglect fatalities. Sponsored by Casey Family Programs in partnership with the CSG West Health and Human Services Committee |
| 8:30-10:00 a.m. | Leadership Coffee Talk (Invite only) Leading with Civility: A Conversation with CSG Chair, Senator Elgie Sims At a time of heightened polarization, how can state legislatures foster respect, collaboration, and productive debate? CSG National Chair, Illinois Senator Elgie Sims, will lead a candid discussion on restoring and sustaining civility in state government. Together, we will share strategies for bridging divides, building trust across party lines, and creating a legislative culture that serves the public good. This Leadership Coffee Talk is sponsored by Western Governors University. |
| 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | TOUR — Empowering Migrations: Wildlife Crossings, Fish Passage, & Infrastructure Funding Western states are home to some of North America’s most iconic wildlife and expansive migration corridors. As development, climate change, and land-use pressures increase, safeguarding these critical pathways and habitats is becoming a shared regional challenge. This tour will explore innovative, cross-jurisdictional approaches to protecting migratory routes and sustaining healthy ecosystems. Policymakers, scientists, and land managers will discuss data-driven tools, public-private partnerships, and legislative strategies that support wildlife connectivity while balancing infrastructure and economic development. This policy tour is sponsored by the Greater Yellowstone Coalition and Trout Unlimited. |
| 8:30-9:20 a.m. | The 340B Drug Pricing Program: What Policymakers Need to Know and Why Employers Are Paying Attention As federal policymakers consider changes to the 340B Drug Pricing Program, it’s critical that state legislators understand the program’s origins, current use, and potential reforms. This educational session will provide a clear, nonpartisan overview of 340B and explore how reform could impact healthcare costs, access, and employer-sponsored coverage. We look to feature an academic, coalition director, and employer representative; the panel will highlight the need for transparency and informed dialogue to ensure any reform supports patients, safety net providers, and affordability. This Legislative Learning Lab is sponsored by the National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions. |
| 9:30-10:20 a.m. | The Future of Small Business Growth Get a firsthand look at how small businesses are leveraging social media tools, like TikTok, to create jobs, engage communities, and be economically resilient. Learn the real-world financial impact, best practices, and opportunities for policymakers to support digital entrepreneurship in their states. This Legislative Learning Lab session is sponsored by TikTok. |
| 10:00-10:30 a.m. | Refreshment Break at the Capitol Connections Café A great place to connect with colleagues, the Capitol Connections Café welcomes attendees to sit, sip, and recharge between sessions. Sponsored by ExxonMobil |
| 10:30-11:20 a.m. | Automatic Enrollment: A Bipartisan Approach to K-12 Math Acceleration States play a critical role in cultivating the STEM talent pipeline that drives American prosperity and economic competitiveness. Texas, North Carolina, Virginia, Indiana, and Washington have adopted Automatic Enrollment, a bipartisan policy that ensures students demonstrating high math proficiency are automatically placed in advanced courses unless families opt out. Research shows this approach expands access, boosts participation, and reduces racial, gender, and income disparities. This session will provide lawmakers with an overview of research, state examples, and model legislative language to advance automatic enrollment in their own state. This Legislative Learning Lab session is sponsored by Polynera. |
| 10:30-12:30 p.m. | Access at Risk: The Impact of Health Funding Cuts on Rural America The Committee on Health and Human Services will examine the impending cuts to healthcare through the lens of rural America. Already an underserved population, healthcare disparities in rural areas may foretell the future of healthcare in all communities. Members will have the opportunity to discuss funding challenges in their states and exchange ideas on how to responsively legislate in the face of these cuts. Hosted by the CSG West Health & Human Services Committee |
| 10:30-12:30 p.m. | From Ashes to Action: Managing Wildfire Risk in the West – Part 2 Managing land and fires across a checkerboard ownership of private and public property is a constant topic across the West. A top leader of the Forest Service, a representative of the Bureau of land management, and a state fire manager will discuss how land is managed to mitigate risks before a fire and how agencies respond once the land is burning. Hosted by the CSG West Wildfires & Disaster Preparedness Committee |
| 11:30-12:20 p.m. | Ensuring Value in Postsecondary Education Postsecondary education drives economies, but to maximize scarce resources policymakers must ensure that academic programs being offered (and publicly subsidized) provide value. Learn about how states are defining credentials of value and using these definitions to strengthen policies and improve ROI for students and taxpayers. This Legislative Learning Lab session is sponsored by Arnold Ventures. |
| 12:30-2:15 p.m. | Lunch Featuring Governor Mark Gordon and Keynote Speaker Chris Perkins Chris Perkins is Vice President of Programs at the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, where he works to promote the sustainable growth of the outdoor recreation economy. This work focuses on rural economic development through outdoor recreation, outdoor recreation infrastructure, state outdoor recreation advocacy, the outdoor recreation workforce, and building a more inclusive outdoor recreation community. Chris received a Masters in Environmental Management and Masters in Business Administration at the Yale School of the Environment (YSE) and Yale School of Management (SOM). Chris has also worked for the U.S. House of Representatives Natural Resources Committee, Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee. |
| 2:30-3:20 p.m. | Meeting Energy Demand: Wyoming’s Framework for Growth This session examines Wyoming’s strategic advantages for responsible energy development across four key areas: community and state benefits through tax revenue and partnerships, meeting critical energy demand with ready renewable solutions, successful multi-industry synergies and Wyoming’s unique, efficient siting process that enables development while maintaining environmental standards. This Legislative Learning Lab session is sponsored by NextEra Energy Resources. |
| 2:30-4:30 p.m. | Measuring Success: Making Education Better, More Accessible, and Less Expensive States are always looking to raise their grades when it comes to educational outcomes and preparing people to enter employment. Bringing Artificial Intelligence into the classroom and making college less expensive are popular and complicated ideas. Join national leaders in these areas as they examine ways states approach these topics. Hosted by the CSG West Education & Workforce Development Committee |
| 2:30-4:30 p.m. | Rooted in Resilience: Preserving Western Ranching and Farming Ranching and farming in the western states are shrinking due to loss of land to development, lack of workforce and family owner/operator succession, persistent drought conditions, health and safety threats like Avian Flu, and uncertain market conditions. A safe, abundant and nutritious food supply depends upon healthy, productive stable and profitable ranching and farming communities. The CSG West Agriculture & Water Committee will study the challenges facing our ranchers and farmers, spotlight opportunities to address these challenges, and explore the regional benefits of ensuring farm and ranch land conservation, succession planning (workforce and owner/operator), and livestock and crop management. Hosted by the CSG West Agriculture & Water Committee |
| 2:30-5:00 p.m. | Policy Tour: CSG West Housing Committee No state is exempt from the challenges of available and affordable housing nationwide. Who are the people and organizations providing solutions in their community? Guided by this year’s annual meeting theme: Innovating at New Heights, the Housing Committee will be visiting housing solutions sites in Teton County guided by the dedicated team of Jackson Hole Community Housing Trust. With the vision to end the housing crisis in their community, they leverage private philanthropy and public subsidies to build affordable homes for people who make less than 120% AMI (area median income). |
| 3:30-4:20 p.m. | Fueling the Future: Advancing Sustainable Aviation Fuel Through State Policy Join Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines for a forward-looking conversation on the future of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and the pivotal role of state policy in driving its growth. Industry leaders will explore how public-private partnerships and state support can accelerate SAF adoption, especially in regions like Washington, Hawaiʻi and the West Coast. Learn how collaboration and innovation are fueling the path to cleaner skies and a more sustainable future for aviation. This Legislative Learning Lab is sponsored by Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines |
| 5:00-6:00 p.m. | 2026 Annual Meeting Utah Kick-Off Reception CSG West Chair-Elect, Utah Senator Todd Weiler, invites you to kick off the 2026 Annual Meeting, July 7-10, 2026 in Salt Lake City. |
| 6:30-9:00 p.m. | Dinner at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort Rendezvous Lodge Music performance by Tris Munsick & the Innocents. |
Friday, September 19
| 7:30-8:30 a.m. | Breakfast Grab a tasty breakfast before sessions! Open to all registered attendees. |
| 8:30-9:20 a.m. | Home Front: State Solutions to the Housing Crisis As housing costs continue to rise, many families struggle to find affordable options, and essential workers find it increasingly difficult to live near their places of employment. Even states with historically low costs of living are facing housing affordability pressures. The shortage of affordable and workforce housing affects low-income individuals and middle-income households, impacting economic growth and community stability. This policy discussion will focus on the pressing issues of housing shortage, affordability, and the need for workforce housing, highlighting the critical role of state policy in addressing these challenges. This Legislative Learning Lab session is sponsored by Arnold Ventures. |
| 8:30-10:00 a.m. | CSG Justice Center: Discussion on Criminal and Youth Justice & Public Safety The CSG Justice Center will host a facilitated conversation with policymakers on emergent regional priorities and challenges in criminal and youth justice policy. The conversation will offer legislators an opportunity to share and learn about the criminal justice challenges facing the Western region, what type of support is most needed, and effective strategies to address shared challenges. Don’t miss this opportunity to receive a big picture overview of key justice system trends and to share your insights |
| 8:30-10:30 a.m. | Executive Committee Session Members of the CSG West Executive Committee will convene for their annual review of organizational business and confirmation of the incoming CSG West Vice Chair. Participation is limited to Executive Committee members. |
| 9:30-10:20 a.m. | Payments Reform Discussion The costs to operate a business continue to increase across the board; labor, supply chain, energy – and now the expense of accepting credit cards and digital payments are skyrocketing. The consequences of these pressures have been evident in every legislative district; increased closures of small and large businesses alike. There are several legislative approaches that can be taken to protect local business from the increase in costs to accept payments. This lab will highlight those solutions while hearing from issue experts as well as from local operators of small restaurants and other businesses. This Legislative Learning Lab is sponsored by Walmart. |
Sessions are open to all registered attendees unless otherwise noted.