Mark your calendar! This December, CPA will hold its eighth annual Summit on the States at the Washington Court Hotel in Washington, D.C. Come hear about the most innovative progressive model policies being debated and enacted in the states. The Summit will also include plenty of skills-building and networking opportunities. Invited speakers include political consultant Donna Brazile and Illinois State Senator Barack Obama. Online registration will be available by September 21. For more information, contact Kirsten Lindquist at (612) 721-0337.

We at CPA have often heard the lament, "why don't we have a progressive Contract with America?" So with the help of our Flemming Fellows, we have drafted a similar document, a Model Progressive Declaration of Values for the States. It is an attempt to help our friends use progressive values to connect with voters. Like CPA model legislation, we intend for this document to be edited to fit political realities in different states. But we hope that this short discussion of the values of freedom, opportunity, security, and responsibility for the future will help everyone frame their own progressive agendas. Obtain a copy of our Model Progressive Declaration of Values.

State leaders across the nation continue to fight and win progressive legislative battles. CPA's new report highlights the proactive achievements of the 2004 state legislatures, proving once again that real progressive change is happening in the states. Read the report online (pdf).

Application deadline for admission is October 1, 2004. You may download the application online or contact Maura Hutchens at (202) 956-5138 for more information.

The Massachusetts legislature last month became the first in the nation to require its state government to compile an annual list of which companies' employees and their dependents use state health benefits the most, and what it costs taxpayers. The requirement, included in the state budget, applies to employers with more than 50 workers.

Gov. Mitt Romney signed a bill that gives more protection to home buyers from predatory mortgage lenders. The new law requires buyers to receive credit counseling before a mortgage lender can sell them a high-interest home loan. It also requires lenders to have a reasonable belief that borrowers can repay the loan. Read CPA's policy brief and model legislation on this issue.