Media offer perspective on NCSL's annual meeting.

After going to a handful of NCSL's annual meetings, I'd be among those who say there is value in the gatherings, inside and outside the meetings. Some states have found unique ways of dealing with problems faced by others."

--Lucy Morgan, St. Petersburg Times.

"Writing and amending the laws we all have to live under is important work. And, naturally, just like you'd like the best doctor and lawyer for yourself if you need them, you should want the best legislator. Because, trust me, you do need them.... And there is a bunch of stuff to learn at NCSL conventions."

--Bob Bernick, Deseret Morning News.

"Please excuse state Sen./Rep. for being away from home, and on the taxpayers' dime, for the week of July 19-23 while he/she was attending the National Conference of State Legislatures Annual Meeting and Exhibition in Salt Lake City. The NCSL convention is no exotic junket where lawmakers are wined and dined by the rich and powerful and the toughest policy decision is whether everybody is up for one more cocktail party. It is five days packed with presentations, debates and committee hearings on serious issues, from health care to national security, from higher education to the definition of marriage."

--Salt Lake Tribune editorial.

"Starting today, you'll see them in droves. They're misunderstood, oft criticized and generally unappreciated. Yet without them, state government across America would grind to a halt. Some 4,800 state lawmakers and legislative staff members, representing virtually all SO states, are in town for the National Conference of State Legislatures, which begins today."

--Deseret Morning News editorial.