Falzone named vice chairman of committee

SAUGUS-Rep. Mark Falzone has been named Vice Chairman of the National Conference of State Legislatures’ standing Budgets and Revenue Committee for a term of one year.This committee is a focal point for the NCSL’s assistance on financial matters to state legislatures, including the representation of state interests in Washington, D.C.”This appointment is particularly important because it comes at a time of scarce resources that requires the implementation of new and creative ideas,” Falzone said. “As a member in the Massachusetts State Legislature serving on both the House Ways and Means Committee and the Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures, and State Assets, I have already worked hard on these fiscal issues at the state level and look forward to meeting new people through the NCSL.”Falzone said he believed that the committee would work to leverage increased federal support for state and local governments. He also sees potential for the sharing of cutting-edge ideas that could help bring more financial resources to the local communities.”I know that financial issues are particularly important to the local communities, residents and governments that I represent and I look forward to this opportunity to provide the benefits of this extra dimension of representation to my constituents,” he said.As Vice Chairman, Falzone will hold a variety of responsibilities, including planning the committee’s agenda for the year, suggesting program topics and speakers, reviewing proposed policy statements and other work products, coordinating lobbying activities, presiding over programs, serving as liaisons to other committees, and participating in meetings of the Steering Committee of the Standing Committees.The National Conference of State Legislatures is the bipartisan organization that serves the legislators and staffs of the states.NCSL provides research, technical assistance, and opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas on the most pressing state issues and is an effective and respected advocate for the interests of the states in the American federal system. Its objectives are to improve the quality and effectiveness of state legislatures, to promote policy innovation and communication between these legislatures, and to ensure state legislatures a strong, cohesive voice within the federal system. Within NCSL, there are eleven standing committees that meet three times a year, every year. The Conference operates from Denver, Colo. and Washington, D.C.