On January 11th, 2011, from 12:30 – 1:45 PM, The Mercatus Center will be holding an event entitled Broke States & Bailouts: Restoring Fiscal Federalism Through Budget & Labor Reform.  The event will be held at The Mercatus Center, 3301 North Fairfax Drive, Room 221, Arlington, VA 22201.  The following scholars will be speaking:

  • Eileen Norcross, Senior Research Fellow, the Mercatus Center at George Mason University
  • Steve Malanga, Senior Fellow, The Manhattan Institute

Conservatives who are interested in criminal justice reform should note that both Norcross and Malanga have been critical of the role that public sector unions — including prison guard unions — have played in the rapid growth of state budgets.  According to the event flyer:

As statehouses open for the 2011 session, happy days are not here again. Rather, for most states harsh fiscal reality must be faced. Many question if the fundamental structure of American politics is broken and if this structure will continue to force states and citizens toward a downward spiral of massive, ever-increasing debt.

‘This panel will discuss the institutions in place that allow for state spending and the growth of government to continue, discussing these questions:

  • What institutions are in place that increase state spending and debts?
  • What are the consequences of a bailout by the federal government for states?
  • What are potential solutions states can implement in 2011?

Lunch will be provided at 12:15, shortly before the event begins.[email protected] or at (703) 993-8426 

For more information about this event please contact Kathleen O’Hearn at

RSVP for this event and live stream.