The Washington-based National Association of Counties (NACo) has published seven legislative priorities for 2008, all aimed at improving the relationship between counties and the federal government. Each priority involves legislative matters that were not resolved in the last session of Congress.

The priorities include opposition to unfunded mandates; maintaining and increasing the federal/county financial partnership; tax issues; establishing a commission on intergovernmental relations; and the reauthorization of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act, the Farm Bill, and aviation programs such as the Airport Improvement and the Essential Air Service and Small Communities Air Service programs. NACo’s 11 steering committees, its Large Urban County Caucus and Rural Action Caucus will promote the priorities during the coming year.

More information on the legislative priorities is available at www.naco.org.