June 24 is the last day to register online for #SLCKY2026. Join legislators, legislative staff, and government professionals from across the South in Lexington, July 11–15, for the 80th Southern Legislative Conference. After June 24, registration will be available on-site beginning July 11. ➡️ Register now: bit.ly/4r4BD3y

If you missed it, In last week’s episode of Real State, Oklahoma Rep. Daniel Pae joined the conversation to discuss behavioral health care access in Oklahoma, including rural service delivery and workforce considerations across the state. 🎧Listen: bit.ly/REALStateEpisodes #RealStatePodcast #CSGSouth

How do states balance budgets with human services needs? In this episode of Real State, Representative Daniel Pae joins host Lindsey Gray to discuss state budgeting, workforce considerations, and service delivery decisions in Oklahoma. Listen now: bit.ly/REALStateEpisodes #RealStatePodcast #CSGSouth

Join our upcoming webinar, “AI for Government Leaders and Staff,” on practical AI adoption in government operations. Explore real-world applications, responsible adoption strategies, and demonstrations of AI tools in workplace scenarios. 🗓️Friday, June 5 | 12–1 p.m. ET ➡️ Register: bit.ly/CSGSouthWebinars #PublicService #ArtificialIntelligence

Energy decisions require coordination across reliability, infrastructure, workforce development, technology and long-term planning. On July 11 in Lexington, the Regional Energy Summit will bring together state officials, regulators and industry leaders for a one-day forum focused on the region’s energy priorities and developments. The Summit offers a focused setting to examine these topics alongside peers working across the energy sector. ➡️ Register: bit.ly/4r9HXHh #CSGSouthRES #EnergyPolicy

Southern states entered 2026 facing unusually dry conditions, including record dryness in GA, NC and SC. States have taken legislative, agency and executive actions on water infrastructure, planning, governance and drought response. This CSG South Snapshot maps state activity across the South on water security and drought response. #CSGSouth #WaterPolicy #DroughtResponse

Proposed Policy Positions help shape CSG South’s collective voice on issues affecting Southern states. Each year ahead of the Southern Legislative Conference, legislators submit proposals for review by CSG South policy committees. During SLC committee sessions, adopted Policy Positions become official policy and reflect regional consensus on issues of regional and national importance. Deadline to submit for SLC 2026: June 19. ➡️ Learn more about Policy Positions: bit.ly/4nMcWJx ➡️ Register for SLC 2026: bit.ly/4b5jpJr

Southern states are taking steps to address fraud targeting veterans seeking benefits assistance. Veterans and military retirees reported $419M in fraud losses in 2024, up from $350M the prior year, according to FTC data. This CSG South Snapshot shows a map of state activity on veterans claims fraud protections, including legislation and attorney general activity. #CSGSouth #VeteransAffairs #ConsumerProtection

The CSG South team recently participated in a professional development day focused on collaboration, accountability, and problem-solving in service to Southern state officials and staff. We were pleased to welcome Scott Raecker, Executive Director of the Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University and former Iowa legislator, who led a session on Creating a Culture of Excellence: Ownership, Accountability, and Problem Solving. Following the training, staff visited Decatur Glassblowing, where they created custom glass paperweights and experienced a live glassblowing demonstration firsthand. #CSGSouth #ProfessionalDevelopment

On Memorial Day, we remember those who lost their lives in military service. A new CSG South Issue Brief examines how Southern states are approaching policies related to veteran support, workforce pathways, and service accessibility. ➡️ Read more: bit.ly/4a35JyK #VeteransPolicy #CSGSouth

Policy discussions by day. Nightly events across Lexington by night. SLC 2026 brings state officials and staff to Lexington, KY, July 11–15. Online registration open through June 24. ➡️ bit.ly/4r4BD3y #SLCKY2026 #CSGSouth

The American South is home to the largest share of U.S. military service members, shaping state-level approaches to readiness and veteran support. Casey Rogers joins REAL | STATE to discuss Alabama’s approach to military readiness, family support, and the National Guard’s dual mission under Kay Ivey. 🎧 Listen now on your preferred podcast platform. Apple Podcasts: bit.ly/realstateonapple Spotify: bit.ly/realstateonspotify YouTube: bit.ly/realstateonyoutube #RealStatePodcast #Veterans #CSGSouth

Congress is working to reauthorize the Farm Bill, with implications for SNAP, agriculture and rural development across the South. Our latest CSG South First Look examines proposed policy changes, state planning considerations and where the reauthorization process stands as the legislation moves to the Senate. ➡️ Read the full First Look: bit.ly/FarmBillReauthorizati… #CSGSouth #FarmBill #StatePolicy

As digital demand and technology infrastructure continue to grow across Southern states, conversations around energy reliability and modernization are becoming increasingly important. On July 11 in Lexington, the Regional Energy Summit will convene policymakers, regulators and industry leaders for a one-day forum on regional energy priorities and developments. ➡️ Register: bit.ly/4r9HXHh #CSGSouthRES #EnergyPolicy

Last opportunity for Southern state officials to submit interest for the 2026 Policy Masterclass Series. Explore key policy issues through expert insights, peer collaboration, and on-site learning experiences focused on workforce development, child welfare systems, and data center growth. All program expenses covered for accepted participants. Interest forms close Wednesday, May 20 ➡️bit.ly/4aNoMOG #PublicPolicy #StatePolicy #CSGSouth

SLC 2026 will feature @b_hernandezjr , @missamerica2000, and @CoachMarkPope as keynote speakers in Lexington this July. Each will take the stage during a week of policy sessions and professional development programming for state leaders and staff. Join the legacy. Register for SLC 2026 (July 11–15). ➡️bit.ly/4r4BD3y #SLCKY2026 #CSGSouth

Explore AI readiness and food supply resilience in CSG South’s June webinars. Sessions examine practical AI adoption strategies for government organizations and policy considerations related to livestock infestations, agriculture and food systems. View upcoming webinars and register: ➡️ bit.ly/CSGSouthWebinars #CSGSouthWebinars #StateGovernment

Effective state leadership depends on strong communication, collaboration, and decision-making. CALS and SAGE are CSG South’s 2026 leadership development programs for Southern state officials and staff. Four-day, in-person experiences focused on leadership, collaboration, and public service with cohorts selected from across the South. Applications close July 24. ➡️ Learn more and apply: bit.ly/3N0NYIi #CSGSouthPrograms #StateGovernment