From high-tech medical information systems to low-tech road building, the proposed economic stimulus package covers numerous public policies and government programs. Children are in there, too. Some elements address them specifically, while other provisions support their families' income, work opportunities, and health care and plug holes in state budgets to avoid program cuts.

As the economy ails, policymakers, program managers, and service providers will be under extraordinary pressure to get the biggest bang for each buck. This Thursday’s Child examined what happens to children and families during recessions; what federal, state, and local officials must do to speedily implement the recovery package and coordinate programs effectively; and how legislators and laypeople should measure success.
 

Panelists

Derek Douglas, director, New York governor’s Washington office

Olivia Golden, institute fellow, Urban Institute; former assistant secretary for children and families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Service (moderator)

Douglas Holtz-Eakin, president, DHE Consulting LLC; director of domestic and economic policy, 2008 John McCain presidential campaign; former director, Congressional Budget Office

Joan Lombardi, research professor, Public Policy Institute, Georgetown University; first director, Child Care Bureau, Department of Health and Human Services

Matthew Stagner, executive director, Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago