July 21st Event in Chicago: America’s Fiscal FutureJul 19, 2010
Our government spends more money than it takes in; as a result, the nation’s debt is growing rapidly. The economic recession has worsened the current imbalance, but the real challenge is the long-term budget picture. With an aging population and rising health care costs, the nation’s debt is projected to increase sharply in the future.
Our debt is a burden that, if unchecked, poses a threat to the nation’s economic vitality. There are many options to put our fiscal future on a more stable path. Signaling our intent and taking steps soon will be less costly and difficult than acting later.
The federal budget is an expression of our priorities and our values as a nation. What are the goals we want the country to meet and the choices we must make? What happens if we do not address our fiscal challenge, and what will it mean for the country and for each of us?
The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago invite you to
America’s Fiscal Future: Making Difficult Choices
A discussion with the co-chairs of the expert committee that produced Choosing the Nation’s Fiscal Future
Dr. John Palmer
University Professor and Dean-Emeritus,
Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, Syracuse University
Former Trustee for Medicare and Social Security
and
Dr. Rudolph Penner
Senior Fellow, Urban Institute
Former Director, Congressional Budget Office
Moderated by
Patricia Widder
Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune
Introductions by
Robert Gallucci
President, John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation
and
Daniel Sullivan
Executive Vice President and Director of Research, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago
Wednesday, July 21, 2010 at 5:30 p.m.
Reception to follow
University Club of Chicago, Michigan Room
76 E. Monroe
RSVP to events@macfound.org or (312) 516-1532