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 Texas Taxpayer Savings Grant Proposal, 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.
8:00 a.m. — Breakfast and Registration
8:30 a.m. — Presentation
Welcoming Remarks
John W. Diamond, Ph.D.
Edward A. and Hermena Hancock Kelly Fellow in Public Finance
Introduction
Brooke L. Rollins
President and CEO, Texas Public Policy Foundation
Featured Speaker
Arthur B. Laffer, Ph.D.
Distinguished University Professor of Economics, Mercer University
CEO, Laffer Associates
Concluding Remarks
The Honorable Kent Grusendorf
Senior Fellow and Director, Center for Education Freedom, Texas Public Policy Foundation