A free, interactive event at Drake University invites members of the public to consider how lawmakers can improve the nation’s fiscal outlook, strengthen the economy, and improve U.S. quality of life. The Concord Coalition, a nationwide, non-partisan, grassroots organization advocating generationally responsible fiscal policy, will host the “Heading Into 2018: Principles and Priorities” event at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 10.
The event will be held in Drake’s Olmsted Center, 2875 University Ave., with support from the Drake University College of Business and Public Administration, the Robert D. and Billie Ray Center, The Harkin Institute for Public Policy & Citizen Engagement, and Vote Smart. Attendees are asked to RSVP via Eventbrite.com (search for Principles & Priorities Des Moines) or via email to ahunt@concordcoalition.org.
Principles and Priorities is an interactive exercise in which participants learn about the federal budget and discuss many of the policy decisions facing lawmakers today. Working in small, mixed groups, participants review current federal spending priorities, tax policy, and entitlement reform options being discussed in Washington.
Applying their own principles and negotiating with colleagues, participants ultimately put forward consensus-based deficit reduction plans to improve the nation’s fiscal outlook. Participants gain firsthand experiences addressing the difficult choices in today’s budget environment. The event concludes with a discussion of lessons learned.
Event co-sponsors include the Iowa Association of Business and Industry, Iowa Farm Bureau, Greater Des Moines Partnership, and Iowa Federation of Labor.