Wednesday, June 22, 2011, at 6:00 p.m.
(Refreshments 5:45 p.m.)
Conference room 483, Congressional Budget Office
2nd & D Streets, SW, 4th Floor, Washington, DC 20515
(Metro: Federal Center Station)

Light refreshments will be served.  The seminar is free, but please E-mail Melvyn Sacks at MelSacks@verizon.net for reservations.

We have a weak economic environment characterized by high national debt, multi-year budget deficits, and the need to continue economic growth with the necessity to raise the debt ceiling.  With a relatively low level of investments in infrastructure, education, and social services, what should be the priorities of the new Congress?

Tonight we will explore various scenarios designed to decrease the long-term national debt that is consistent with maintaining economic growth and a first-class society with vital social programs in an atmosphere of political polarization and perceived public aversion to tax increases.

Thursday, January 13, 2011, at 6:00 p.m. (Refreshments 5:45 p.m.)
Conference room 483, Congressional Budget Office
2nd & D Streets, SW, 4th Floor, Washington, DC 20515
(Metro: Federal Center Station)

Light refreshments will be served. The seminar is free, but please E-mail Melvyn Sacks at MelSacks@verizon.net for reservations.

In many developing countries, women are not achieving their full economic potential, resulting in diminished economic development. In these regions, cultural pressures often influence women to marry in their teens, abandon school, and endure menial work. They have neither the education nor encouragement to help in their country’s productivity or to better their own living conditions. These vicious circles are often reinforced by strong social norms which are difficult to change.

Tonight we will explore how women in these regions can improve their status, whether through changes in cultural norms, introduction of micro-loans, economic and political policies, or foreign assistance. We will also consider how economic development can be enhanced if women can become fully productive members of society. The potential of new methods to enhance our understanding of these issues will also be a topic of discussion.

Light refreshments will be served. The seminar is free, but please e-mail Robena Reid at Robena.Reid@dot.gov for reservations.

The escalating Federal budget deficit has a direct impact on the financial health of the United States and its ability to finance and deliver vital government services with the magnitude of the national debt causing public distress. The ability to manage and reduce current and future federal budget deficits depends significantly on voluntary compliance and the efficiency and effectiveness of revenue collection efforts. The difference between what is owed to the federal government and what is collected by revenue authorities is informally known as the “tax gap” and fair and equitable revenue collection and enforcement strategies enhance public confidence and voluntary compliance.

Our panelists will discuss tax havens, corruption, money laundering, tax compliance and enforcement, and the interrelated roles of banks, lawyers, and accounting professionals. They will provide insights into how tax compliance can impact the budget, possible near-term solutions for tax compliance, and recommendations for additional proactive strategies.

High-Speed Passenger Rail Transportation Proposals

Wednesday, June 24, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. (Refreshments 5:40 p.m.)
Surface Transportation Board Hearing Room First floor, Patriots Plaza
395 E St., S.W., Washington, DC

(Metro: Federal Center SW-Orange/Blue and L’Enfant Plaza-Green/Yellow)

Panel:
Mark E. Yachmetz, Associate Administrator for Railroad Development, Federal Railroad Administration
Joyce Rose, Republican Staff Director for the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines and Hazardous Materials

Light refreshments served. The seminar is free, but please E-mail Melvyn Sacks at MelSacks@cavtel.net for reservations.