Webinar | October 2020

Going the Distance: COVID-19 and Remote Work Implications for State Governments

Cody Allen

As a consequence of the ongoing pandemic and state public safety restrictions, many public sector employees who provide much needed services – often in direct response to the ongoing crisis – transitioned to remote work as a means to keep government and legislative services functioning. With economists projecting a more than $394 billion revenue shortfall for states through the end of Fiscal Year 2021, the cost savings of implementing a flexible remote workforce may lessen the impact of the economic downturn on state services, as well as allow for increased efficiency in operations. This program examines remote work arrangements and innovations in government operations during the current pandemic and how these telework arrangements may benefit government efficiency, and lower costs, in the short- and long-terms.

Presentations:

Byron Decoteau, Director, State Civil Service, Louisiana
Peter Heimbach, Director of Special Projects and Real Estate Asset Management, Department of General Services, Tennessee
Jennifer Murphy, Assistant Commissioner of Design, Construction, Facilities Management and Leasing, Department of General Services, Tennessee

Webinar | October 2020

Project-Based Learning: A Possible Solution to the Concerns of the COVID Classroom

Cody Allen

Across the region, policymakers at both the state and local level have worked to develop reopening and operating plans for K-12 schools that address health and safety concerns. While there are a variety of plans in place, many have focused on remote or hybrid learning schedules which have led to concerns surrounding student engagement and achievement. One possible solution is project-based learning, an active or inquiry-based learning method that encourages students to examine complex challenges or problems via intradisciplinary methods. By encouraging students to actively engage in real-world projects, this learning method may increase student engagement and reduce absenteeism – a critical concern when students are missing synchronous face-to-face interactions with educators. This program examines project-based learning and how it may increase student engagement in the current non-traditional academic environment.

Presentation:

Leslie Eaves, Program Director, Project-Based Learning, Southern Regional Education Board, Georgia

Webinar | August 2020

New and Expanded Revenue Streams

Cody Allen

SLC Fiscal Affairs & Government Operations Committee Virtual Program

Presiding Officer: Representative Penny Houston, Georgia; Chair, SLC Fiscal Affairs & Government Operations Committee

As advances in technology both create new and reshape existing markets, states are looking to regulate and tax these emerging business models. These include digital streaming services, electronic goods, ridesharing services and short-term rentals, among others. With consumers shifting to embrace this new economy, and the market for digital goods and services growing exponentially, these emerging markets are replacing prior, and broadening existing, sources of state revenue. This program highlights how states' efforts to tax these new revenue sources and the economic impact these emerging markets could have on the Southern region. With the COVID-19 pandemic contributing to a significant economic downturn, supplementing existing revenues will be a necessary tool for policymakers facing possible budget reductions in fiscal year 2021 and beyond.

Presentation:

Brian Sigritz, Director of State Fiscal Studies, National Association of State Budget Officers, Washington, D.C.