AID cooperative agreement no. LAC-0777-A-00-9022-00 with the Research Foundation of the State University of New York to strengthen democracy in Chile through the development of a strong and efficient legislative branch

This purpose will be achieved by establishing The Center for Legislative Research and Assistance (CEAL) at the Catholic University of Valparaiso (UCV). SUNY/A will provide one long-term advisor (7 months) along with short-term TA to assist in CEAL"s initial development. Activities will include: (1) assessment of the state of legislative expertise and of legislative training and support capabilities in Chile; and (2) preparation of CEAL"s staff and fellows to implement research and consulting activities, and build national-level support, in part by sending four UCV faculty to SUNY/A for M.A.s in public administration with a specialty in legislative management. The project will also finance computer equipment for CEAL, library reference materials, and, partially, operating costs. CEAL"s training and research activities will begin in earnest when the new Chilean legislature is seated in March 1990. The primary activity will be short-term, in-country training of legislators, legislative staff, and political leaders and staff in: modern legislative management techniques, organizational behavior and conflict resolution, and technical issues and special topics relevant to Congress. It is estimated that at least 100 legislators/staff and 100 political leaders/staff will be so trained, while another 10 political and legislative leaders will receive U.S. study tours. Other targets are to: conduct 15 studies and 20 consultancies on specific issues facing the Chilean Congress, and provide a computer management/research system for the Congress. CEAL will also support the creation of an international network of Iberian and Ibero-American countries moving from military government to democracy. Amendment (Grant to SUNY/A) of 9/8/93 funds a second phase of the project, in order to consolidate CEAL"s program and allow CEAL to: (1) train legislators elected to the new Congress in 1994 in key analytical areas, while expanding training to other sectors of society (e.g., the press, business, and interest groups) in the functioning of Congress; (2) provide consulting and training services to other congresses in Latin America; and (3) provide municipal government assistance in Chile and add a professional certificate program in public administration. CEAL is expected to become self-sufficient during this phase. (PD-ABK-888)