Residents of a state accustomed to vetting presidential candidates demonstrated a strong interest last week in more responsible federal budget policies, showing up in force for programs focused on possible solutions to the nation’s fiscal challenges.
The programs in Des Moines, Iowa were tied to the Fiscal Solutions Tour visiting six cities this fall. The tour, conducted by The Concord Coalition and supported by The Peter G. Peterson Foundation, is designed to stimulate informed discussion of the options available to reduce large projected deficits that would threaten the economy.
Sara Imhof, Concord’s Midwest field director, said people who attended the Des Moines events “demonstrated the interest and personal involvement that can help our nation move onto a better, more responsible course.” In a blog post, she praises the lively discussions: “The civic engagement was fantastic; we had questions and comments from people of all ages and backgrounds.”
Attendance at the events was estimated at 1,200, including 700 students and others at the evening program at Drake. Featured speakers were David M. Walker, president and CEO of the Peterson Foundation; Robert Bixby, Concord’s executive director; Douglas Holtz-Eakin, president of The American Action Forum, and Timothy Penny, president and CEO of the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation.
External links:
Newsmaker: The Concord Coalition, Part I
Newsmaker: The Concord Coalition, Part II
