Dole Institute to host programming on national debt reduction
LAWRENCE — The Robert J. Dole Institute at the University of Kansas will welcome former congressmen Jim Slattery (D-Kan.) and Tom Tauke (R-Iowa) for the 10th Anniversary Series event “Can We Fix the Deficit?” This bipartisan, two-part program will explore the nation’s budget issues.
The Deficit Workshop is set for 3 p.m. Monday, Sept. 23, and Fix the Deficit will be 7:30 that evening. and again at 7:30 p.m. for Fix the Deficit.
In the Deficit Workshop, participants will engage in a small-group, hands-on discussion and negotiation of how to solve the problem of growing federal deficits. Led by Slattery and Tauke, the workshop will attempt to devise combinations of cuts in programs and/or tax increases to bridge the gap between current revenues and expenditures. The purpose of this workshop is to show the participants the extent of the deficit problem and the difficulty in devising a political solution.
The evening event will discuss the importance of dealing with the deficit and how it can be done in a bipartisan manner.
“Slattery and Tauke are two very strong proponents for deficit reduction, so I anticipate a fascinating discussion during the workshop and the evening program,” said Dole Institute Director Bill Lacy. “This is such a critical issue that young people in particular should be interested; the deficit will really impact their generation.”
Slattery, a six-term member of Congress, was a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee throughout his 12-year tenure in Congress. This committee has broad jurisdiction over health care, energy, telecommunications and environmental issues. He also served on the House Budget, House Financial Services and House Veterans' Affairs committees. Slattery advises clients who have matters pending before Congress, federal agencies and regulatory bodies. He has experience in energy, railroads, health care, insurance, international trade and telecommunications. Slattery travels regularly to the Middle East to encourage interfaith dialogue.
Tauke is a former member of the U.S. House of Representatives. He represented Iowa’s 2nd district from 1979 to 1991, entering Congress as one of its youngest members. During his congressional service he was a member of the Telecommunications Subcommittee. Tauke also served on the Energy and Commerce, Education and Labor and Small Business committees, as well as the Select Committee on Aging. Since leaving public office in 1991, he has continued to establish himself as a leading voice and public policy advocate in the U.S. telecommunications industry. Tauke is now executive vice president, public affairs, policy and communications, for Verizon. Prior to entering the House, he served as an attorney and a two-term member of the Iowa House of Representatives from 1975 to 1979.
Go online for more information on this or any Dole Institute programs or call (785) 864-4900. The Dole Institute of Politics is dedicated to promoting public service, civic engagement and politics. It is located on KU’s west campus next to the Lied Center.