WASHINGTON — The National Conference of State Legislatures is hosting more than 60 state legislative leaders this week in the Nation’s Capital for a meeting on leadership in challenging times. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will speak to the legislative leaders about the importance of a strong state-federal partnership.

Immediately after Pelosi’s address, NCSL president and Speaker of the North Carolina House of Representatives Joe Hackney will brief members of the media about the meeting and discuss possible partnerships between state legislatures and Congress.

NCSL is the bipartisan organization that serves the legislators and staffs of the states, commonwealths and territories. It 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.