The Reformicons: A Discussion of the Reform Conservative Movement

A group of conservative thinkers and legislators are engaged in a reform conservative movement which argues that restraining government growth, while important,  is not enough. Conservatives must offer policy alternatives.  In a new collection of essays, “Room to Grow: Conservative Reforms for a Limited Government and a Thriving Middle Class,” prominent conservatives have published essays outlining policy options for health care, tax, education, regulatory, energy, and safety-net reforms.

On June 26, Brookings Senior Fellow William Galston hosted a discussion of the reform conservative movement with some of its most distinguished leaders. Brookings Senior Fellow E.J. Dionne offered his critique of their proposals, based on his essay in the most recent issue of Democracy, “The Reformicons.”

This event was part of the Governing Ideas series intended to broaden the discussion of governance issues through forums on timely and relevant books on history, culture, legal norms and practices, values and religion.