Karen Shanton

The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) is a bipartisan organization that serves the legislators and staffs of the nation's 50 states, commonwealths, and territories. NCSL provides research, technical assistance, and opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas on the most pressing state issues. NCSL’s Legislative Management program provides research, technical assistance, project management, and publications and training services regarding the organization, operation and management of state legislatures; issues related to elections, campaigns, ethics; and the skills necessary for legislators and staff to effectively execute their legislative roles and responsibilities. NCSL’s Trust for Representative Democracy is a public outreach and education program designed to improve public understanding of state legislatures and Congress and to address the problems of public distrust and cynicism toward government. The Legislative Studies Specialist is a member of the Legislative Management program but will also work with the Trust for Representative Democracy. The specialist conducts major research projects on institutional issues; writes and publish articles in NCSL’s State Legislatures magazine and its blog, The Thicket; and writes policy reports and briefs. The specialist interacts with legislators and legislative staff from across the nation.