Real Investment in America: A Post-Election Perspective

Congressional and progressive leaders joined economic experts for a conference to discuss bold new strategies needed to meet vital public investment needs, from modern infrastructure and new energy to lifelong education. With the economy in trouble, the conference spelled out a short-term recovery plan and explored ways to finance the investments essential for sustained economic growth.

It was held November 18, 2008 at the Jefferson Building of the Library of Congress in Washington.

FULL AGENDA

 
9:30 a.m. — Opening and Greetings

• Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Calif., Congressional Progressive Caucus Co-chair  AUD 
• Arlene Holt Baker, AFL-CIO  AUD   VID 
• Robert Borosage, Campaign for America's Future  AUD   VID 

10 a.m. — The Investment Deficit: From Bridges to Broadband

• Eric Lotke, Campaign for America's Future  AUD   PDF   PPT   VID 

10:15 a.m. — Implications for Workers and Business: Jobs and Competition

• Ron Bloom, US Steelworkers  AUD   VID 
• Janet Kavinoky, U.S. Chamber of Commerce  AUD   VID 

10:45 a.m. — Remarks on Legislation and Strategy

• Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn.  AUD   VID 

11:00 a.m. — Deficits, Stimulus and Financing Options

• John Irons, Economic Policy Institute  AUD   VID   PPT 
• Sherle Schwenninger, New America Foundation  AUD   VID 

Noon — Lunch and Keynote Address

• Rep. Lynn Woolsey, D-Calif., Co-chair, Congressional Progressive Caucus  AUD   VID 
• James K. Galbraith, University of Texas  AUD   VID 

12:50 p.m. — Discussion of Legislation and Strategy

• Rep. Keith Ellison, D-Minn.  AUD   VID 

1:10 p.m. — Public Opinion Research on the Election, and the Deficit/Stimulus Balance

• Stan Greenberg, Democracy Corps  AUD   PPT   VID