2025 Summer Forum in Review
Introduction
The Senate Presidents’ Forum met in Ljubljana, Slovenia, July 9-13, 2025. Our plenary sessions focused on U.S.-Slovenia relations, examined apprenticeships as they are practiced in Switzerland and Slovenia, and assessed the future of U.S.–EU trade. The group explored the role of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in fostering trade, and learned of artificial intelligence safeguards implemented by the EU. A lively roundtable discussion of challenges and accomplishments by the states was followed by a workshop focused on authentic leadership.
Greg Meier
2025-07-10 08:45 - 09:15
SPF was delighted to have the U.S. Embassy’s Deputy of Mission in Slovenia welcome our group to Ljubljana and provide an overview of the strong, 30-plus year diplomatic relationship between the two countries.
Exploring the Fabric of Slovenian Society
Rok Spruk
2025-07-10 09:15 - 10:15
Dr. Spruk, Professor of Economics, summarized the tumultuous years leading up to Slovenia’s independence in 1991 and how the country has quietly evolved into one of Europe’s success stories.
Apprenticeships and Vocational Education: Lessons from Two EU Nations
Darko Mali
Erik Swars
2025-07-10 10:30 - 11:30
Many European nations have embraced alternative forms of education for students who may not be college bound. Our presenters discussed lessons learned from a recently launched program as well as a more tested approach.
The Future of EU-US Trade Relations
L. Daniel Mullaney
2025-07-11 08:30 – 09:30
The U.S. is embarking on revised trade agreements with many nations around the world. A former U.S. Trade Representative discussed the key components of our developing trade relations in Europe.
SME’s: Fostering Trade for Small Business
Ajša Vodnik
2025-07-11 09:30 - 10:15
Small- and medium-sized businesses are economic drivers in the U.S. Learn how Slovenia is nurturing their smaller enterprises to be successful and contribute to the nation’s GDP.
Mark Boris Andrijanič
2025-07-11 10:30 - 11:30
In conversation with Slovenia’s first-ever minister of digital transformation, Forum members gained insights about the EU’s progress shaping AI policy. Considerations included how to provide protections and accountability while preserving opportunities to capitalize on the technology's expanding potential.
Roundtable Discussion – Legislative Session Challenges and Accomplishments
Corina Mulder
2025-07-12 08:30 - 09:45
Recent legislative sessions were dynamic, especially given the uncertainty of federal budget changes and their impact on the states. State leaders discussed top achievements from their 2025 session and what policy matters remain to be addressed.
The Power of Authentic Leadership – Leading with Trust and Integrity in Times of Complexity
Alenka Braček Lalić
2025-07-12 10:00 - 11:30
The challenges facing legislative leaders are constantly changing and, in some cases, becoming more difficult. This interactive session explored how authentic leadership can support leaders in their quest to be more effective.
Potential Risks to State Budgets: How Will Changes in Federal Funding Impact Your State?
The Senate Presidents’’Forum convened for a virtual meeting on April 4, 2025, to discuss the impact on the states of potential federal budget decisions. The presenter, Marcia Howard, has served as Executive Director for the Federal Funds Information for States (FFIS) since 1998. FFIS is a non-partisan, non-advocacy organization that, since its founding in the mid-1980s, has provided rigorous research and analysis of the impact on states of federal budget actions (ffis.org). She provided a brief overview of the different budget processes and options available to Congress for FY 2025 and FY2026.
2025 Spring Zoom Meeting
2025 Winter Forum in Review
Introduction
Inaugurating its 31st year, the Senate Presidents’ Forum met in Sarasota, Florida, on January 2-5, 2025. The Forum was welcomed by new Executive Director Caroline Carlson and by Board Chair Sen. Ron Kouchi (HI) before embarking on an ambitious program focused on state budgets, infrastructure challenges, and cybersecurity. The second day of discussions opened with a global perspective as the Forum considered the evolving U.S.-China relationship and its implications for the states. Subsequent sessions examined the challenges related to teacher shortages, the progress made in broadband access and digital equity, and the potential economic benefits of data centers.
Joe Crosby, CEO of MultiState, reviewed the states’ economic forecasts, discussing the disconnect between consensus forecasts and actual growth in 2024 as well as projections for 2025.
State Infrastructure, Part I
Roads & Bridges vs. Extreme Weather
Garrett Eucalitto, the Commissioner of Connecticut’s DOT and President of AASHTO, highlighted the importance of resilience and sustainability in infrastructure planning.
Securing Critical Infrastructure
CISA’s Kate Nichols highlighted the importance of cybersecurity and infrastructure security, and stressed the importance of a coordinated approach among the states to enhance protection of critical infrastructure against cyber threats.
U.S.-China Relations: What’s at Stake?
The next decade will be decisive in determining the global leader, forewarned Rush Doshi, Director of the China Strategy Initiative at the Council on Foreign Relations.
Rebuilding the Teacher Workforce
Ryan Saunders of the Learning Policy Institute discussed the severe teacher shortages in the U.S., highlighting the negative effects on millions of children.
Next Steps to Universal Broadband
Kathryn de Wit of The Pew Charitable Trusts led a discussion on the topic of universal broadband access, highlighting the progress made by states to date and the need for further understanding of access and affordability.
Chris Koopman discussed the emerging importance of data centers in the modern economy.
