Federal and state budgets are under unprecedented pressure: deficits are ballooning, programs are being cut back, and tax rolls are anemic, or worse. As part of the federal government’s response to the severe recession, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) cushioned state budget cuts, particularly in education, and included investments in children and families -- yet next steps after ARRA are unknown.

New research by Urban Institute and Brookings Institution analysts reveals how children -- collectively and at different ages -- fare in the federal budget and how federal and state spending mesh. Drawing on these forthcoming reports, a panel of distinguished experts will begin a vital and timely exchange on how the nation can, amid severe fiscal and budgetary challenges, make the wisest public investments in its children.

They will tackle such questions as: What does it mean for children (or any other group) to receive their fair share of public resources? What will happen to children and their families when ARRA funding stops? Given that the federal government is a junior partner in spending on children, what’s in store outside the Beltway as states’ great fiscal stress continues? The research shows that federal and state expenditures on children are spread across many domains, particularly health, nutrition, early care and education, elementary and secondary education, and income support. How can fragmentation and duplication be avoided with so many programs at multiple levels of government? How can these programs mesh effectively to have the greatest pay-off for children?

Panelists

Olivia Golden, Institute fellow, Urban Institute; former U.S. assistant secretary of health and human services for children and families (moderator)

Robert Gordon, associate director for education, income maintenance, and labor, Office of Management and Budget

Julia Isaacs, child and family policy fellow, Brookings Institution

Austin Smythe, staff director (minority), House Budget Committee

Eugene Steuerle, Institute fellow and Richard B. Fisher Chair, Urban Institute