James L. Martin Papers, 1957-1999

These papers document the work of James L. Martin, who was Director of the Office of State and Federal Relations for the National Governors’ Association (NGA) until 1998. The papers contain correspondence, memoranda, position papers, background materials, research documents, meeting notes, and policy statements related to some of the major legislative issues facing the nation during the 1980s and 1990s. Major topics include: budget, education, government financing, healthcare, mandates, regulatory reform, taxation, and welfare reform. 

James L. Martin began his career with the NGA as deputy director from 1967 to 1979. He then became the legislative counsel and director of the NGA’s Office of State and Federal Relations until his retirement in 1998. As lead legislative counsel, Martin was the chief point person for coordinating the legislative agenda of the nation’s governors with the White House and congressional leaders. He also served as a liaison to the thirty-five Washington offices of individual governors, as well as the coordinator for the state and local coalition.

Cite as James L. Martin Papers, Special Collections and College Archives, David Bishop Skillman Library, Lafayette College, Easton, Pennsylvania, USA. Access is available

Lafayette Courses

GOVT 101.03 – Introduction to U.S. Politics

GOVT 211 – State & Local Government

GOVT 310 – American Federalism

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