April 2021 | Issue 1
Public Safety
Public Safety Leadership
At the start of each biennium CSG West officers identify policy areas important to the region and establish committees tasked with facilitating information exchange, disseminating research, and providing opportunities for members to develop shared solutions. Each committee is lead by co-chairs who provide bipartisan perspective to issues facing the region. As these leaders begin their efforts, we invite you to learn a little more about them and the perspective they bring to their work. 
Reducing Structural Barriers to School & Work for People with Juvenile Records
A number of states have worked to limit restrictions related to education and employment for people with criminal records, but the impact on people with juvenile records has received significantly less attention. To address this discrepancy, the CSG Justice Center has produced an analysis examining education and employment related collateral consequences faced following involvement with the juvenile justice system. Learn more about the study, its findings and available resources for policy makers by clicking below.
Join the CSG Justice Center for a live event, including a study presentation and panel discussion, on Wednesday, April 21 from 1-2 pm EST.

Panelists include:
  • Caitlin Dawkins, Director, Juvenile Justice, FHI 360 National Institute for Work and Learning
  • William Gil, Director, Government Relations, American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers
  • Andrew Morton, Director, Veterans and Certification Affairs, SHRM
  • Josh Weber, Deputy Division Director, Corrections and Reentry, The CSG Justice Center (facilitator)

Click below to register!
U.S. Supreme Court Rules Against 4th Amendment Amicus Brief
In a 5-3 decision in Torres v. Madrid the U.S. Supreme Court held that a person may be “seized” by a police officer, per the Fourth Amendment, even if the person eludes physical restraint. The State and Local Legal Center (SLLC) filed an amicus brief in this case arguing in favor of the opposite result. To learn more about the brief and ruling, click below.
Member Events
Applications due April 23!
Western Legislative Academy Applications Open
“I have attended numerous professional development programs. Without a doubt, the Western Legislative Academy was the best I have ever participated in. The presenters were professional and engaging. The content was relevant and useful. The networking and relations built with legislators from other western states was valuable. Attending the WLA made me a better legislator.”

– Senator Bill Soules (NM)
Annual Meeting Moves to September
Plans for the 2021 Annual Meeting are under way and we encourage you to mark your calendar to join us! Additional information about the program schedule, conversation topics, and registration will be posted on our website soon. Until then, be sure to check out our inspiration video for a sneak preview of why we're saying, "Naturally, Colorado"!
Member Resources
FEMA to Help Pay Funeral Costs for COVID-19-related Deaths
In early April, FEMA will begin providing financial assistance for funeral expenses incurred after Jan. 20, 2020 for deaths related to coronavirus (COVID-19) to help ease some of the financial stress and burden caused by the pandemic. The policy was recently finalized and FEMA is now moving rapidly to implement this funeral assistance program nationwide. Click below to read more.
CSG COVID-19 Response Report
In March of 2020, the initial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic were felt across the nation, causing much disruption in our lives. Organizations and governments alike were forced to find creative ways to continue their work while maintaining safety precautions for workers and the public alike.

CSG and its regional offices were among those forced to quickly pivot and find creative ways to continue supporting members and bringing people together - all while physically distanced. As we look back on the past year, we are proud to share an overview of our efforts to keep the conversations going! To learn more, click below.
THE COUNCIL OF STATE GOVERNMENTS WEST www.csgwest.org
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