Children, the Recession, and the Economic Recovery Plan
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February 19
Panelists:  Derek Douglas, director, New York governor's Washington office  Olivia Golden (moderator), institute fellow, Urban Institute; former assistant secretary for children and families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services  Douglas Holtz-Eakin, president, DHE Consulting LLC; director of domestic and economic policy, 2008 John McCain presidential campaign; former director, Congressional Budget Office  Joan Lombardi, research professor, Public Policy Institute, Georgetown University; first director, Child Care Bureau, Department of Health and Human Services  Matthew Stagner, executive director, Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago From high-tech medical information systems to low-tech road building, the House version of the economic stimulus package covers the panoply of public policies and government programs. Children are in there, too. Some elements address them specifically, such as increases in education, Head Start, child care subsidies, and the child tax credit. These are buttressed by provisions to support their families' income, work opportunities, and health care and to bail out state budgets to avoid program cuts. The Senate bill is expected to include less aid for states, schools, and other programs. As the economy ails, policymakers, program managers, and service providers will be under extraordinary pressure to get the biggest bang for each buck. Be part of the discussion as experts tackle such questions as - What happens to children and families during recessions? - What must federal, state, and local officials do to speedily implement the recovery package and coordinate programs effectively? - Are service providers ready? - How will budget-strained states handle a funding infusion? - Can new and expanded activities jump start change in early childhood programs and other children's initiatives? - Will the recovery plan's short-term boost take the pressure off Congress to make permanent investments and reforms? - How should legislators and laypeople measure success? Resources At the Urban Institute |
