The 2011 Budget is Coming. Are You Ready? Help Is Here!

Next Thursday and Friday mornings, January 28 and 29, national and local budget experts will cover what you need to know about DC’s budget in two important forums. What is the process to fund this $10 billion government? Are other states tapping into sources of revenue we aren’t?

Budget 101:
Everything You Want To Know (And We Want You To Ask!)

Thursday, January 28, 9:30-11:00 AM

John A. Wilson Building (1350 Pennsylvania Avenue NW), Room 123

Learn the nuts and bolts of the DC budget process from budget experts and Wilson Building veterans.  Find out how you can get involved to protect and improve the programs you care about. DC Council staff and advocates will describe successful advocacy strategies, while DC Fiscal Policy Institute staff will break down the budget process step-by-step and highlight specific ways you can get involved. 

Speakers include:

  • Kilin Boardman-Schroyer, Legislative Director, Office of Councilmember Michael A. Brown
  • Jason Shedlock, Chief of Staff, Office of Councilmember Phil Mendelson
  • Jennifer Mezey, Supervising Attorney, Legal Aid Society of DC

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Budgeting With Balance:
An In-Depth Discussion of How DC Can Raise Revenue

Sponsored by the Fair Budget Coalition

Friday, January 29,  9:30 – 11:30 AM

John A. Wilson Building, 1st Floor

What are other states doing to raise revenue in these tough times? Is there an alternative to a cuts-only approach? (Yes. Definitely.)

Even though economists say the Great Recession ended last year, the economic impact of the downturn continues to shrink government resources at precisely the time when they’re most needed. DC’s Chief Financial Officer projects a $400 million shortfall for next year. Jon Shure of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities and several national experts will explain how leaders across the country are taking a balanced approach to this budget crisis by finding ways to add revenue. Specific topics will include use of the rainy day fund, reforming income taxes, and bringing equity to sales taxes.

Other speakers include:

  • Michael Mazerov, Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
  • Jeff McLynch, Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy
  • Ed Lazere, DC Fiscal Policy Institute

Please RSVP to Tina Marshall at marshall@cbpp.org or 202-408-1080. These events are sponsored by the Fair Budget Coalition and the DC Fiscal Policy Institute.