US budget and economy in focus at Rice’s Baker Institute Sept. 17

MEDIA ADVISORY

David Ruth
david@rice.edu
713-348-6327

Jeff Falk
jfalk@rice.edu
713-348-6775

US budget and economy in focus at Rice’s Baker Institute Sept. 17

HOUSTON – (Sept. 9, 2015) – The current national and regional economic trends affecting manufacturers will be the topic of discussion Sept. 17 between the chief economist at the National Association of Manufacturers and a leading economist at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy.

The event, which will be at the Baker Institute, is co-hosted by the National Association of Manufacturers and the Baker Institute’s Tax and Expenditure Policy Program. It is free and open to the public, but registration is required.

Who: Chad Moutray, chief economist at the National Association of Manufacturers, and John Diamond, the Edward A. and Hermena Hancock Kelly Fellow in Public Finance at the Baker Institute, adjunct professor of economics at Rice and CEO of Tax Policy Advisers.

What: A discussion titled “The U.S. Budget and Economic Forum.”

When: Thursday, Sept. 17, 8:30-10 a.m.

Where: Rice University, Baker Hall, Doré Commons, 6100 Main St.

These are uncertain times for businesses in the region and state, according to event organizers. Houston’s economy is representative of the U.S. manufacturing sector — some industries are booming, while others are contracting. In general, manufacturers continue to be cautiously optimistic about the coming months, even in the face of headwinds such as lower crude-oil prices, the strong U.S. dollar and sluggish growth abroad, organizers said.

At the event, Moutray and Diamond will discuss current national and regional economic trends affecting manufacturers and the policies needed to grow and maintain a robust manufacturing sector.

Members of the news media who want to attend should RSVP to Jeff Falk, associate director of national media relations at Rice, at jfalk@rice.edu or 713-348-6775.

The public must register to attend this event at http://bakerinstitute.org/events/register/1737/?submit=RSVP+Now. A live webcast will be available at the registration page.

For a map of Rice University’s campus with parking information, go to www.rice.edu/maps. Media are advised to park in the Central Campus Garage.

-30-

Follow the Baker Institute via Twitter @BakerInsitute.

Follow Rice News and Media Relations via Twitter @RiceUNews.

Founded in 1993, Rice University’s Baker Institute ranks among the top 10 university-affiliated think tanks in the world. As a premier nonpartisan think tank, the institute conducts research on domestic and foreign policy issues with the goal of bridging the gap between the theory and practice of public policy. The institute’s strong track record of achievement reflects the work of its endowed fellows, Rice University faculty scholars and staff, coupled with its outreach to the Rice student body through fellow-taught classes — including a public policy course — and student leadership and internship programs. Learn more about the institute at www.bakerinstitute.org or on the institute’s blog, http://blogs.chron.com/bakerblog.