Breaking New Ground: ADA at 34, Justice Initiatives and Top Events to Watch
The Council of State Governments
Championing excellence in state governments, 90 years strong.
CSG regional meetings are happening nationwide this summer, coinciding with the CSG Justice Center's launch of an initiative to address homelessness among individuals returning from incarceration.
Additionally, leadership opportunities and policy academies are now available as we gear up for this year's CSG National Conference.
Celebrating the 34th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act
This year, we celebrate the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, or the ADA, a landmark piece of legislation that increased access and opportunity for people living with disabilities. On July 26, 1990, President George H.W. Bush signed the law into act after lengthy negotiations and several amendments.
“With a shared commitment to advancing the American ideals of justice and equity for all, we commemorate the anniversary of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The original enactment of the ADA in 1990 and the amendments approved in 2008 allow all Americans to benefit from a more inclusive and accessible nation," said David Adkins, CSG executive director/CEO.
"Since its passage 34 years ago, the ADA has literally and figuratively opened doors to those living with different abilities. Today, we celebrate all those whose advocacy and hard work made the ADA a reality. As a Kansan, I will be forever grateful for Senator Bob Dole’s commitment to making the ADA the law of the land. We benefit every day from their legacy of leadership.”
To celebrate the 30th anniversary, CSG published a special edition of Capitol Ideas magazine commemorating the history of the ADA and how states are leading the way on disability policy.
Zero Returns to Homelessness Initiative Seeking Member States
Earlier this year, the CSG Justice Center , in partnership with the Bureau of Justice Assistance, launched Zero Returns to Homelessness at an event hosted by the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections. This national initiative is a multi-agency effort, designed to support states and communities as they work to prevent and end homelessness for people returning from incarceration.
“Pennsylvania was chosen as the host site for this event because of the Department of Corrections’ demonstrated commitment to reducing and ending homelessness after incarceration. The state has long exemplified the principles and strategies that are the foundation of the Zero Returns to Homelessness initiative,” said Charles Francis, who leads the housing work at the CSG Justice Center.
The CSG Justice Center, the Bureau of Justice Assistance, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development invite states and communities to work with us to achieve the Zero Returns to Homelessness vision of making housing available and accessible to every person returning home from incarceration.
Applications are now open for state corrections agencies, housing partners, and community leaders to join a national cohort of four to six states, which will receive free technical assistance over two years.
If you are interested in building or expanding your state’s reentry housing options, apply here by Aug. 12, 2024.
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CSG 20 Under 40 Leadership Award Seeking Applicants
Mississippi Sen. Rod Hickman became the youngest current serving state senator in 2021, though his passion for public service has been evident from a young age.
At just 10 years old, Hickman was knocking on doors around the city helping his father campaign for justice court judge. While his dad’s campaign may have been unsuccessful, it planted a seed in Hickman.
It is this passion for serving others that earned Sen. Hickman the recognition as one of the 2023 CSG 20 Under 40 recipients.
CSG is looking for the next cohort of passionate young leaders for this year's CSG 20 Under 40 Leadership Award, joining a prestigious group of alumni from all over the country.
Apply/nominate by Aug. 1
CSG Justice Center to Co-Host Six-Month Medicaid Policy Academy
The CSG Justice Center and the Center for Health Care Strategies are hosting a six-month Medicaid and Corrections Policy Academy.
The Policy Academy will bring together teams of senior executive agency leaders from multiple states to develop multi-sector collaborative planning for improving reentry outcomes for people involved in the justice system.
The deadline to register is this Friday, July 26, at 8 p.m. ET.
Join CSG in The Big Easy for the 2024 National Conference
Big Easy. Big Ideas.
Join us in New Orleans at the 2024 CSG National Conference this December as we celebrate another year of advancing the common good. Along with interesting and relevant policy sessions, members can explore all of the culinary and cultural joys New Orleans has to offer.
Collaborate with state leaders, share ideas and explore solutions to the complex policy issues facing the states.