Center for American Progress Action

ADVISORY: California Economists’ Analysis of Candidate Whitman’s Economic Blueprint
Press Advisory

ADVISORY: California Economists’ Analysis of Candidate Whitman’s Economic Blueprint

Washington, D.C.—Gubernatorial candidate Meg Whitman’s 48-page economic policy proposal, "Meg 2010-Building a New California, Meg Whitman’s Policy Agenda," asserts that California is no longer competitive because of a bloated public sector, too much spending, and excessive regulation. As a solution Whitman promises to restore economic growth and create 2 million private sector jobs by cutting $15 billion in state spending, eliminating 40,000 state employees, sacrificing public employees’ pensions, cutting taxes for the rich, and reducing environmental and worker protections.

Professor Michael Reich has produced an analysis of Whitman’s policies showing that her proposals will deepen California’s budget crisis and are likely to reduce employment and slow economic growth. The report makes clear that Whitman’s proposed tax cuts for businesses and the wealthy would generate little economic benefit while making the state’s budget problem worse. In fact, her proposed spending cuts are likely to outweigh any positive stimulus from the tax cuts.

In addition to the report, a letter to California voters from more than a dozen prominent economists from universities around the state will be released endorsing the analysis.

To see full analysis and open letter to Californians, click here.

Please join a panel of experts to discuss Reich’s analysis of Meg Whitman’s economic blueprint, her proposed policies’ impact on various regions and populations, and a look at how proposals and assumptions similar to "Meg 2010" have produced poor results in the past.

What: The Center for American Progress Action Fund will host a press conference call to discuss Michael Reich’s economic analysis of Meg Whitman’s policy proposals.

Who:

Michael Reich, Professor of economics, University of California, Berkeley

Manuel Pastor, Professor of American Studies and Ethnicity, University of Southern California

Robert Reich, Professor, Goldman School of Public Policy, University of California, Berkeley

When: Tuesday, August 10, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. EDT/ 10:00 a.m. PDT

Call Info: 877.210.8943

Conference ID: 92556227

RSVP: Please contact Megan Smith at 202.741.6346 or [email protected] to RSVP to the call.

**Please note, this call will be recorded. By participating in the call, you consent to be recorded. **

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