


DATE: Thurs, Feb. 5, 2015
TIME: 8:00 a.m. — Breakfast and Registration 8:30 a.m. — Presentation
LOCATION: James A. Baker III Hall, Rice University [Campus Map] Doré Commons
6100 Main St. – MAP Houston, Texas 77005
RSVP: http://bakerinstitute.org/events/register/1690/?submit=RSVP
The Macroeconomic Effects of School Choice Reform in Texas Education reform is an issue of utmost importance in Texas, especially given the effects of globalization on the labor market, ongoing demographic changes in the state’s population, and what some observers call a graduation rate crisis. Proponents of school choice argue that increased competition will lead to a more efficient use of resources in the public sector and should be considered in any discussion of how to improve education in Texas. However, there has been no attempt to quantify the macroeconomic impact of school choice reform. At this event, Arthur Laffer will present his evaluation of a specific school choice reform proposal, the , in terms of its impacts on graduation rates, state economic growth, job growth and state budget. This study was commissioned by the Texas Association of Business and the Texas Public Policy Foundation, who are also co-sponsors of this event.
John W. Diamond, Ph.D. – Welcoming Remarks
Edward A. and Hermena Hancock Kelly Fellow in Public Finance
Brooke L. Rollins – Introduction
President and CEO, Texas Public Policy Foundation
Arthur B. Laffer, Ph.D. – Featured Speaker
Distinguished University Professor of Economics, Mercer University CEO, Laffer Associates
The Honorable Kent Grusendorf – Concluding Remarks
Senior Fellow and Director, Center for Education Freedom, Texas Public Policy Foundation