April 19, 2018
Regional Roundup
SUPREME COURT HEARS SOUTH DAKOTA V. WAYFAIR
On Tuesday, April 17, the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments in an internet sales collection case that could mean billions of additional dollars for Western states if state and local governments are given the authority to collect sales taxes from remote sellers.
 
In South Dakota v. Wayfair, South Dakota is asking the Supreme Court to overrule 1992's Quill v. North Dakota, in which the Supreme Court reaffirmed the physical presence requirement and barred states from forcing companies to collect sales taxes if they do not have a local physical presence. Thirty-four states and the District of Columbia have filed supporting briefs.
 
In 2014, The Council of State Governments (CSG), in partnership with the State and Local Legal Center (SLLC) and the other members of Big Seven organizations representing state government filed an amicus brief critiquing Quill, which prompted Justice Anthony Kennedy to ask for a case to overturn the ruling.
 
Leadership Development
CONGRATULATIONS SENATOR CARLOS CISNEROS, 2018 BORDER LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE CHAIR!
Having served in the New Mexico Senate since 1985, Senator Cisneros brings an array of legislative experiences on issues including economic development, the environment, water, and finance to his role as the 2018 Chair of the Border Legislative Conference (BLC). He currently serves as the Chair of the Revenue Stabilization & Tax Policy Committee, and Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee. Senator Cisneros also serves in a member capacity on the Legislative Finance Committee. 

CSG West congratulates Senator Cisneros on his election by U.S. members of the BLC and looks forward to his leadership of this important program.
APPLICATION DEADLINES COMING SOON!
Western Legislative Academy (WLA) - Due Monday, April 23rd
In its 19th year, the WLA hosts legislators in their first 4-years of service for three and a half days of intensive skills development training. Class members are comprised of members from the 13 western states. 

Border Legislative Academy (BLA) - Due Friday, April 27th
The BLA is a two and half day bi-national professional  development training program for U.S. - Mexico border state legislators within their first four years of cumulative service. 

State Visit
Colorado
2018 COLORADO STATE VISIT
CSG West Director Edgar Ruiz, along with staff member Jeff Miller, made a visit to the Colorado State Capitol in Denver March 19-21. In the midst of a busy week, Senators reached a major legislative compromise that would provide billions of dollars for road maintenance and transportation funding. The deal was made possible after legislators were provided with budget projections indicating up to $500 million in unanticipated state revenue. That bill is under consideration in the House.

Resources for Members
NEWS FEEDS FOR WESTERN LEADERS
As part of our effort to provide value to western leaders, CSG West policy staff offer curated news feeds for our members and partners. Feeds include news articles, reports and events chosen specifically for their relevance to the West and our policy committees.

Click the icons below to explore, and please let us know what you think!

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