National Conference of State Legislatures

This Thanksgiving, we express our deepest gratitude to everyone serving in our nation's capitols. Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at NCSL! 🦃🍂

The federal government and twelve states offer child tax credits to enhance the economic security of families with children, particularly those in lower- to middle-income brackets. Read more: https://bit.ly/3li4EwO

NCSL is joined by other members of the Big Seven in strongly recommending passage of a comprehensive farm bill before the end of the 118th Congress. Passing this bill is vital to maintaining America’s agricultural productivity and security, growing our rural economies and providing vital nutrition assistance programs. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4fLK1QK

State and federal governments are expanding AI use across agencies to improve efficiency and decision-making, and to deliver government services, with a strong focus on governance, ethical practices, and interagency collaboration. Read more: https://bit.ly/3CFdlKi

Protecting public health and mitigating economic impacts from foodborne illnesses are major concerns for states. Annually, millions of Americans suffer from foodborne diseases, highlighting the need for comprehensive food safety regulations. Read more: https://bit.ly/3ARGRvB

In 1939, President Franklin D. Roosevelt moved Thanksgiving to the third Thursday in November to extend the holiday shopping season, sparking national controversy. Dubbed "Franksgiving," the change split states: 22 adopted the new date, 23 kept the old, and three celebrated both. Congress later intervened by setting Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday in November. Read more about this week's #MapMonday: https://bit.ly/3Z8NRwn

State and federal governments are expanding AI use across agencies to improve efficiency and decision-making, and to deliver government services, with a strong focus on governance, ethical practices, and interagency collaboration. Read more: https://bit.ly/3CFdlKi

The FDA Food Code provides a model framework to support regulatory structures and streamline interstate standards. Jurisdictions are free to adopt the code as a tool to bolster food safety systems and constituent health. Read more: https://bit.ly/464eSTs

In today’s NCSL This Week: State lawmakers considered more than 150 bills on government use of AI this year, with at least 30 states issuing guidance; NCSL’s policy experts forecast the hottest issues for 2025; and 72% of high school teachers report cellphone distractions as a significant problem in their classrooms. Also, thanks to FDR, three states observed Thanksgiving on two days in November 1939.

The pandemic accelerated tech advances and demographic shifts, reshaping work and creating new challenges. The resulting labor shortages present opportunities for people with disabilities seeking employment. Read more: https://bit.ly/4fWONdX