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 50 states, are in town for the National Conference of State Legislators, which begins today. We welcome them and wish them a productive and enlightening visit.

NCSL has assembled an impressive agenda intended to better educate lawmakers about the issues of the day and provide training to help them navigate the white waters of public-policy making. It would seem every elected official could benefit from the wealth of information that will be made available during this four-day meeting.

Of course, many of them will have to endure criticism for coming here at taxpayer expense. That's the nature of politics, particularly during an election year.

The agenda includes the topics of terrorism, technology, education, health care, Hollywood and even "The Love-Hate Relationship Between the Media and Legislators" (NCSL's workshop title, not ours). Some of the featured speakers include the Weekly Standard's Bill Kristol and Donna Brazile, Al Gore's 2002 campaign manager, who will speak on the 2004 elections. Other scheduled speakers include actress Melissa Gilbert, president of the Screen Actors Guild, best-selling author Stephen Covey, Olympic gold medalist Picabo Street, Business Roundtable President John Castellani, Standard & Poor's David A. Wyss and humorist Christopher Buckley.

State legislators also will debate and vote on resolutions during the conference to determine the organization's positions and lobbying priorities on public policy issues effecting state governments and state agencies.

The meetings will be a considerable boon to Utah's economy. The four-day convention is expected to pump an estimated $12 million into the local economy.

In many respects, the convention should be a win-win. Legislators get a chance to meet, uplift and commiserate with counterparts from throughout the country. Delegates have the added bonus of recreating in a state that boasts many natural wonders, the famed Mormon Tabernacle Choir (which is scheduled to entertain convention delegates), the legacy of the 2002 Winter Games and world-class hospitality.

We welcome NCSL delegates and presenters to the Beehive State and wish them a successful convention.