2026 Summer Forum in Review
Introduction
The Senate Presidents’ Forum met in Bozeman, Montana for a dynamic Summer Forum focused on critical issues facing state legislatures. A roundtable discussion centered on the fiscal health of the states, followed by expert insights into the implications for the states of the Iran war. The Forum reviewed Montana’s success in addressing the housing crisis – a challenging issue for most states. A deep dive into the opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence (AI) and data centers assessed varied approaches being undertaken in the states. The Forum also explored the impact of ubiquitous technology on youth mental health and concluded with a dynamic presentation from an Olympic champion.
Corina Mulder, SPF Consultant
The session led by Corina Mulder focused on state legislative achievements and challenges, with particular attention to states' fiscal conditions following the most recent legislative sessions. Senators from each of the states represented commented on their state’s fiscal health.
Steven Cook, PhD, Council on Foreign Relations
Dr. Cook described the Middle East as a region facing multiple overlapping conflicts, including tensions between Morocco and Algeria, instability in Libya and Syria, a humanitarian crisis in Sudan, divisions in Iraq, and rivalries among Gulf states. He emphasized that the Israel-Hamas war following the October 7, 2023, attack has become the central regional conflict, with broader implications involving Iran and its network of proxy groups.
Montana Miracle – Housing Reform
Chris Dorrington, Director of the Montana Department of Transportation
Once an issue unique to vacation destinations, the regulation of short-term rentals now raises questions concerning housing affordability, taxation, zoning, and more across the nation. This session explored how to preserve the benefits of short-term rentals while limiting negative impacts.
Kat Duffy, Council on Foreign Relations
Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy is crowded with hype and conflicting claims, making independent analysis difficult, Ms. Duffy noted. She emphasized that her research is funded by an endowment and public-interest philanthropy—not companies or governments—allowing for neutral, academically independent information and advice.
Jenny Radesky, MD, American Academy of Pediatrics
Dr. Radesky, a developmental behavioral pediatrician and University of Michigan researcher, discussed technology and youth through the lens of child development, parenting, and mental health. She also serves as a medical advisor for youth AI safety research and has worked on technology-related consumer protection issues at the FDA and Federal Trade Commission.
Picabo Street, Olympic Medalist
Ms. Street began by applauding the Senate Presidents’ Forum participants for working across party lines, noting that courage is essential to effective leadership. Drawing on observations from the recent Winter Olympics in Cortina, she said top athletes succeed by accepting the pressure of major competition rather than denying it. They focus on the task at hand instead of on their nerves. Returning to proven fundamentals helped them block distractions, stay composed, and perform at their best. Preparation, she said, replaces anxiety with confidence.
2026 Winter Forum in Review
Introduction
The January Senate Presidents’ Forum, held this year at Amelia Island, FL, was moderated by Sen. John Cullerton (IL, ret.) and covered topics including state budgets, workforce development, short-term rentals, nuclear energy, federal changes to SNAP, and THC products.
Navigating the Fiscal Environment: Economic and Budget Outlook & Leaders’ Roundtable
Morgan Scarboro
Even before taking into account potential headwinds facing the national economy, states are experiencing slower revenue growth and rising costs. This session featured the latest national economic forecast and implications for state budgets. Senate leaders provided valuable insights on key issues affecting their 2026 budgets.
Breaking Down Barriers to Workforce Growth
Greg Reed
The Forum was very pleased to welcome back Greg Reed, former Senate President Pro Tempore in Alabama. In 2025, Reed became his state’s first Secretary of Workforce, overseeing the merger of the Department of Commerce and Department of Labor and furthering his long-term commitment to workforce development.
Keys to Regulating Short-Term Rentals
Tara Roche and Morgan Scarboro
Once an issue unique to vacation destinations, the regulation of short-term rentals now raises questions concerning housing affordability, taxation, zoning, and more across the nation. This session explored how to preserve the benefits of short-term rentals while limiting negative impacts.
The Case for Nuclear Power: Technological Solutions to Meet Increased Demand
Jess Gehin
Data centers, energy security, and the clean-energy transition are among the key drivers for nuclear power adoption today. With dozens of related bills having been introduced in state legislatures in the past year, this session examined the current case for nuclear power and the technology behind it.
Understanding the New SNAP Landscape
Lizbeth Silbermann
The suspension of federal SNAP funding during the most recent government shutdown pulled the food-security program into national focus and sent many states scrambling to restore benefits for needy families. This session examined the impact of H.R.1 on SNAP, with insights from an expert who has directed food and nutrition services for the USDA.
The Buzz on THC-infused Beverages: Legal, Health and Regulatory Perspectives
Gillian Schauer and Neil Willner
The legal sale of cannabis-infused beverages has popped the top on a range of issues for consumers, retailers, state lawmakers, and regulators, and has the potential to reshape the alcoholic beverage industry. This session considered late-breaking developments at the federal level and opened a conversation about policy approaches across the states.
2025 Fall Forum in Review
Introduction
The Senate Presidents’ Forum met in Kona, Hawai’i on September 3 – 7, 2025. Hosted by Senate President Ron Kouchi (HI) and Senate Majority Leader Dru Mamo Kanuha (HI), the Forum received a warm welcome from Hawai’i’s Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke. Plenary sessions focused on the implications of House Resolution 1 (H.R. 1) for the states, with an opening session dedicated to Medicaid. We considered recommendations for budget resiliency in a changing fiscal environment and explored the new realities of trans-Pacific trade as tariffs and trade agreements evolve. Admiral Samuel Paparo provided a briefing on Pacific Rim security, illuminating challenges and opportunities in the sector. The Forum reviewed lessons learned from the Lahaina fire for disaster mitigation, and concluded with the perennial challenge of workforce development.
Managing Medicaid: Policy Strategies for State Senate Leaders + Roundtable Discussion
Kathryn Costanza
Significant changes in federal law affecting Medicaid necessitate state policymakers to evaluate future eligibility and funding levels, among other potential changes. Members discussed options and strategies as states prepare to adjust to new federal provisions.
Welcome by Hawai’i Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke
Understanding the New Trans-Pacific Trade Environment
Barbara Weisel
As the United States imposes new tariffs, the relationships with our trading partners are evolving. A chief negotiator for the Transpacific Partnership Agreement discussed how our trade alliances with Pacific Rim nations are changing and what that means for the future of trade in the region.
Natural Disaster Mitigation and Management – Learnings from Lahaina
Derek Alkonis
Policymakers around the nation regularly are confronting the aftermath of significant natural disasters. The Forum heard from a wildfire expert who, using the Lahaina fires as a case study, offered guidance on natural disaster prevention, preparedness and response.
Admiral Samuel Paparo
The Senate Presidents’ Forum welcomed the Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command, who provided a real-time security briefing on the Pacific. Admiral Paparo also provided suggestions on policy issues that state leaders can prioritize to strengthen the state-military partnership.
Budget Resiliency in a Rapidly Changing Fiscal Environment
Mary Murphy
State leaders face many budgetary challenges, including the changing state-federal fiscal relationship, economic uncertainties affecting revenues and spending, and the unknown costs dealing with unanticipated events, like natural disasters. This session featured best practices for enhancing budget resiliency with specific ideas around building disaster-ready budgets.
Building the Talent Pipeline – Lessons from the Heartland & Beyond
Angie Cooper
SPF's focus on workforce continues with this session on human capital and developing the talent pipeline. Citing programs that have proven successful across several states and communities — including rural and urban settings alike — this session covered a number of sector-specific approaches and research-grounded solutions.
