Lt. Gov. Elizabeth Roberts is in Washington, D.C. this week where the freshman lieutenant governor is participating in her first National Lieutenant Governor's Association winter meeting.

The three-day conference features a host of events, such as a trip to the Australian embassy, and seminars on various public policy issues such as homeland security, education, globalization and health care.

Regarding health care, a personal favorite of Roberts, the lieutenant governor is scheduled to lead a lunchtime policy session Thursday on Massachusetts' recent health care reform plan. (Her office notes that she is the only freshman lieutenant governor leading a policy session.)

"As a leader in the fight for quality, affordable health care for all Rhode Islanders, I look forward to leading this national discussion on the direction of health care in our country," Roberts said in a statement. "The universal coverage experience in Massachusetts is invaluable to Rhode Islanders, and all Americans, as we try to move our own states toward providing affordable healthcare for all our residents."

Roberts arrived in Washington today with her chief of staff, Paul Tencher, and Jennifer Wood, her chief of policy and general counsel. The group will stay through Friday when the meetings end.

-- projo.com staff writer Steve Peoples