NCSL Legislative Video Resource Center

College completion rates are well below state policymakers’ goals, especially for adult learners and low-income students. These students often struggle to complete education and training programs due to unmet basic needs, such as stable housing, adequate food and suitable child care for their children. In this webinar, NCSL staff will discuss college completion strategies that address students’ basic needs and learn from the experiences of three states.

The economy continues to defy expectations. The recession economists predicted this time last year never materialized. The job market remains strong, and inflation seems to have stabilized. However, state revenue collections are slowing and the flow of federal stimulus funds to the states is winding down. What does all this mean for state budgets and state credit ratings? Hear Fitch Ratings’ economic forecast for 2024, along with insights on state credit quality and what to watch for in the year ahead.

Nearly 1 in 20 children in the U.S. live in a household where someone other than a parent is their primary caretaker. Many families that could benefit from a formal minor guardianship cannot or do not pursue this legal arrangement. The laws are complex and sometimes specify different processes for the many circumstances under which a family might need minor guardianship. Legislatures have an important role to play in improving civil court processes for families. Learn how Iowa and Vermont reformed their minor guardianship policies to make them more family-friendly.