The Institute for State Policy Leaders convenes its State Tax Policy Seminar four weeks after the midterm elections and nine days before the federal government runs out of funding.
The continuing resolution signed in September expires December 11, and Congress has not enacted a single one of the twelve appropriations bills. That is not only a federal story. Federal dollars are one of the largest single lines in every state budget, and what Congress decides in those nine days — what it funds, what it cuts, and what it leaves unresolved — sets the number states are working with when sessions open in January.
Over a day and a half, legislators from both parties sit down with revenue officials, academics, and private sector practitioners to work through it. Sessions are closed-door and off the record under Chatham House Rules: participants may use what they hear, but may not attribute it to any speaker or attendee. No press, no prepared remarks, and no cameras.
On the agenda
State fiscal outlook heading into 2027 — the One Big Beautiful Bill Act's Medicaid reductions beginning in FY 2028, the election results, and what both mean for state budgets
The new Congress — what the midterms mean for federal tax and spending policy, and how it reaches state revenue systems
November's state tax referenda and ballot initiatives — what passed, what failed, and what voters signaled
Taxation of data and data centers — incentives, energy costs, and proposals to tax data itself
Surveillance pricing — personalized pricing, the FTC's enforcement posture, and the sales tax administration questions it raises
Telecommunications, broadband, digital advertising, and digital goods
Also under consideration for the preliminary agenda: college sports and NIL taxation; automated enforcement cameras as a revenue source; and the taxation of services.
Who attends
Attendance is limited to approximately 30 state legislators so that the discussion stays substantive and every participant can be heard. Legislators receive up to $1,000 in travel and lodging reimbursement.
Private sector attendance is reserved for sponsors of ISPL's State Tax Initiative. To learn about sponsorship, contact Max Behlke.
Register
Registration for sponsors of the Institute’s State Advisory Council (STAC), Speakers, and Invited Guests: Non-Legislator Registration
Legislator Registration (once capacity is reached, new registrants will be added to the waitlist: Legislator Registration
Questions and sponsorship inquiries: Max Behlke, Deputy Executive Director — mbehlke@statepolicyleaders.org · 571-243-5250