Entitlement reform: The effectiveness of the safety net and evidence for responsible policy

Event Description

How effective is America’s social safety net? How should we reform entitlement programs so they are more effective and fiscally viable? In 2018, the American Academy of Political and Social Science (AAPSS) invited experts to contribute to a special issue of The ANNALS focused on answering these questions. The result is a comprehensive, critical look at the nation’s safety-net programs, with an eye toward fundamental reforms.

AEI, the Brookings Institution, and AAPSS invite you to an event marking the release of this publication. The event will feature a discussion from two editors of the volume on why a critical look at safety-net programs is warranted; presentations on Social Security, Medicare, and the Social Security Disability Insurance programs; and a panel discussion led by AEI President Robert Doar.

Join the conversation on social media with @AEI on Twitter and Facebook.

Event Summary

A group of experts convened at AEI on Thursday, November 21, to discuss reforms to the nation’s entitlement programs, moderated by AEI’s Robert Doar. To frame the discussion, Thomas Kecskemethy of the American Academy of Political and Social Science (AAPSS) introduced AAPSS’s new special edition of The ANNALS. Then, James Ziliak of the University of Kentucky illustrated spending trends for in-kind, cash, and near-cash transfer benefits, and Robert A. Moffitt of Johns Hopkins University spoke about the impact of programs such as the earned income tax credit and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

Gary Burtless of the Brookings Institution detailed the political challenges associated with scaling down Social Security benefits. Next, Harvard University’s Amitabh Chandra spoke about the fiscal challenges facing Medicare and opportunities for progressive, innovative reform. Harvard University’s Nicole Maestas focused specifically on the disabled population receiving Social Security benefits and how best to balance assistance with work.

Harvard University’s Karen Dynan provided a broader perspective on potential reforms, demonstrating how interest rates, gross domestic product growth, and federal debt affect the safety net. Finally, AEI’s Angela Rachidi impressed the importance of work, family structure, and early childhood poverty interventions to lessen the demand on safety-net programs.

— Matthew Gallagher

Agenda

3:15 PM
Registration

3:30 PM
Welcome:
Robert Doar, AEI

3:35 PM
Introduction:
Thomas Kecskemethy, American Academy of Political and Social Science

3:40 PM
Presentation of key highlights:
James Ziliak, University of Kentucky
Robert A. Moffitt, Johns Hopkins University

3:55 PM
Presentation on Social Security reform:
Gary Burtless, Brookings Institution

Presentation on Medicare reform:
Amitabh Chandra, Harvard University

Presentation on Social Security Disability Insurance:
Nicole Maestas, Harvard University

4:30 PM
Response:
Karen Dynan, Harvard University
Angela Rachidi, AEI

4:40 PM
Discussion

Participants:
Robert A. Moffitt, Johns Hopkins University
Amitabh Chandra, Harvard University
Karen Dynan, Harvard University
Nicole Maestas, Harvard University
Angela Rachidi, AEI

Moderator:
Robert Doar, AEI

5:00 PM
Q&A

5:15 PM
Adjournment

Contact Information

Event: William Kessler | [email protected] | 202.862.7193
Media: [email protected] | 202.862.5829