The forgotten Americans: An economic agenda for a divided nation
Featuring a conversation with Governors John Hickenlooper and John Kasich
Past Event
Introduction & Discussion
Widening inequality and the loss of jobs to trade and technology has left a significant portion of the American workforce disenfranchised and skeptical of governments and corporations alike. These economic shifts are changing what it means—and feels like—to be middle class in America.
On October 10, the Future of the Middle Class Initiative at Brookings hosted Governors John Hickenlooper (D-Col.) and John Kasich (R-Ohio) for an event marking the launch of a new book by Brookings Senior Fellow Isabel Sawhill, “The Forgotten Americans: An Economic Agenda for a Divided Nation.”
The event featured a conversation with Governors Hickenlooper and Kasich, moderated by Brookings Senior Fellow Richard Reeves. The governors also took questions from the audience.
After the governors’ discussion, Sawhill presented her new policy agenda for advancing the economic interests of a group she calls “the forgotten Americans.” The event concluded with a panel of experts responding to Sawhill’s proposals. Panelists took questions from the audience.
Agenda
Introduction
John R. Allen
President, The Brookings Institution
Discussion
Richard V. Reeves
John C. and Nancy D. Whitehead Chair
Senior Fellow - Economic Studies
Director - Future of the Middle Class Initiative
Co-director - Center on Children and Families
The Hon. John Hickenlooper
Governor - State of Colorado
The Hon. John Kasich
Governor - State of Ohio
An economic agenda for a divided nation
Panel discussion
Elaine Kamarck
Founding Director - Center for Effective Public Management
Senior Fellow - Governance Studies
Eric Rodriguez
Vice President, Policy and Advocacy - UnidosUS
More Information
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