(BLACK PR WIRE) (February 08, 2011) WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Kansas State Representative Barbara W. Ballard, President of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL), was among leaders of the National Policy Alliance (NPA) for a meeting with U.S. President Barack Obama to discuss its role in advancing policies and implementing programs to address issues outlined in the Presidents State of the Union address.

The meeting will benefit millions of constituents of the respective NPA member organizations. The goal of the meeting is to work collectively on policy solutions that will make a measurable impact on the communities represented by NPA. Also, this meeting will broaden the conversation beyond the Washington beltway, providing an essential perspective from state and local elected officials. The meeting is the outcome of discussions between NPA leadership and the White House Office of Public Engagement over the past two years.

President Ballard focused her attention on the implementation of the Affordable Care Act and financial regulatory reform, and the support NBCSL could offer in those areas among other issues addressed. NBCSL is encouraged by the ongoing dialogue with President Obama and the support he and his administration have demonstrated. We believe through this continued communication, our constituents concerns can and will be addressed.

NBCSL is a membership association representing over 600 African American state legislators from 42 states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands. NBCSL members represent more than 50 million Americans of all racial backgrounds. NBCSL tracks legislation at all levels of government and actively monitors state and federal policy initiatives to provide its members with important information. Each year, NBCSL members pass policy resolutions that directly impact federal and state policy. The organization focuses on U.S. domestic policy and is committed to policies that positively affect all Americans. Learn more at www.nbcsl.org.

NPA is comprised of 10 member organizations: Congressional Black Caucus, Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, National Black Caucus of State Legislators, National Association of Black County Officials, National Conference of Black Mayors, National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials, World Conference of Mayors, National Black Caucus of School Board Members, Judicial Council of the National Bar Association, and Blacks in Government; with the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies serving as its secretariat.

Source: National Black Caucus of State Legislators

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