Feb. 15, 2007 — In an announcement by the Council of State Governments, Sen. Louis Patrick Hill has been confirmed as the at-large member representing the CSG Eastern Regional Conference, according to a release issued Thursday by the senator's office.
Honored by the appointment, Hill stated that it would afford the Virgin Islands the chance to participate in national public-policy discussions, which the territory was not privy to before.
According to the release, "The Council of State Governments is the premier multi-branch organization forecasting policy trends for the community of states, commonwealths and territories on a national and regional basis. They advocate for multi-jurisdiction problem solving to maximize resources and competitiveness."
Hill’s appointment mandates his attendance at the council’s Spring National Committee and Task Force meetings to be held in Puerto Rico from June 10 through 14, where he will participate with the Health Policy Task Force to analyze recent successful state health care reform efforts.
Hill will also attend State Task Force meetings on energy and environmental policies, education policies, public safety and justice policies, along with the International Committee.
Noting that the territory had previously been combined with Puerto Rico by policy-makers who think the areas' needs are the same, Hill said, "I hope to use my appointment to change this perception."
