Freedom & Progress 2024: Full Schedule

When the dust from the 2024 presidential election settles, both major political parties will need to set their priorities for the next four years and beyond. In this fireside chat, Avik Roy and George Will will discuss what these priorities are likely to be and what they mean for individual liberty, economic opportunity, and the American people.

Moderators

Avik Roy

President, FREOPP

Speakers

Patrick Ruffini

Founding Partner, Echelon Insights

Over the last 15 years, Patrick Ruffini has advanced the digital and data-driven transformation of politics in numerous roles, most recently as the co-founder of Echelon Insights, a next-generation polling, analytics, and intelligence firm.Ruffini began his career as one of the country’s... Read More →

Ben Domenech

Editor at Large of The Spectator & Fox News Contributor

Ben Domenech is editor at large of The Spectator and a Fox News Contributor. His newsletter, The Transom, is one of the top political Substacks. He cofounded The Federalist and Redstate and was a speechwriter at HHS and for Senator John Cornyn. He was also sued over a joke tweet by... Read More →

Monday November 18, 2024 10:00am - 10:45am EST
Location: Gallery Ballroom

Ballroom Sessions

11:00am EST

Applying the Principles of Federalism Across Policy Issues

Monday November 18, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EST

Location: Drawing Room

Session sponsored by State Policy Network

Federal agencies have increasing influence over state and community self-governance. Much of it occurs behind the scenes, without the awareness or approval of our elected representatives. SPN’s Center for Practical Federalism has developed a Federalism Scorecard and other resources to identify where unelected federal officials exert undue influence over state governance and to identify practical policy solutions for states and communities to change this. This session will highlight what leaders are doing to strengthen self-governance in their states and communities.

Moderators

Tony Woodlief

Senior Executive Vice President, SPN

Tony Woodlief is State Policy Network’s Senior Executive Vice President and Senior Fellow for SPN’s Center for Practical Federalism. An alumnus of the University of North Carolina, he has a Ph.D. in political science from the University of Michigan, and an MFA from Wichita State... Read More →

Speakers

Cameron Sexton

Speaker, Tennessee House

Cameron Sexton is an American politician from Tennessee. A Republican, he has been a member of the Tennessee House of Representatives for the 25th district since 2011, and has been the Speaker of the state House since 2019. Before becoming Speaker, Sexton was Majority Caucus Chai... Read More →

Steve Johnson

Fellow, Center for Practical Federalism, State Policy Network

Steve Johnson is a Fellow at State Policy Network's Center for Practical Federalism. At the Center, Steve works with state lawmakers on how they can guard their state from federal coercion. Prior to joining SPN, Steve was a State Representative in Michigan.

John Hood

President, Pope Foundation

John Hood is president of the John William Pope Foundation, a North Carolina-based grantmaker, and a syndicated columnist. The author of 10 books, Hood teaches public policy at Duke University and serves on the boards of State Policy Network, the College Fix, the John Locke Foundation... Read More →

Monday November 18, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EST
Location: Drawing Room

Concurrent Block 1

11:00am EST

How the Debt Crisis Is Affecting Ordinary Americans

Monday November 18, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EST

Location: Salons 4-5

Session sponsored by Taxpayers Protection Alliance

As the U.S. national debt continues to soar, economists and policy experts alike are sounding the alarm about a looming fiscal crisis. This panel will examine the real-world impact of rising debt on everyday Americans, from inflation and interest rates to potential cuts in government services. We will discuss the long-term risks of a fiscal crisis and explore possible solutions to address the nation's unsustainable debt path.

Moderators

Avik Roy

President, FREOPP

Speakers

Jeffrey Holland

Vice President, Research, The Peter G. Peterson Foundation

Jeff came to the Peterson Foundation in August 2017 after 26 years at the Congressional Budget Office (CBO). For the previous 18 years, Jeff was Chief of the Projections Unit at CBO, where he oversaw the production and data compilation of large parts of publications such as The Budget... Read More →

David McGarry

Policy Analyst, Taxpayers Protection Alliance

David McGarry is a Policy Analyst at TPA. He has written extensively on a wide range of topics related to technology, government accountability, and consumer choice. He has reported on tech policy and telecommunications, particularly at the Federal Communications Commission and on... Read More →

Kurt Couchman

Senior Fellow in Fiscal Policy, Americans for Prosperity

Kurt Couchman is senior fellow in fiscal policy for Americans for Prosperity. He develops and supports innovative solutions to federal and state budget challenges while promoting fiscal outcomes that expand freedom, prosperity, and opportunity.He has previously held positions with... Read More →

Monday November 18, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EST
Location: Salons 4-5

Concurrent Block 1

11:00am EST

Who’s Winning the Debate on Free Trade and Industrial Policy?

Monday November 18, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EST

Location: Salons 1-3

Political and public sentiment on trade, tariffs, and government intervention in industry are changing, with potentially dramatic consequences for America's economic future and the economic outlook of ordinary Americans. On this panel, experts will analyze the economic, geopolitical, and labor implications of the different approaches to trade; discuss which side of the debate is gaining ground; and determine what it means for U.S. competitiveness on the global stage.

Moderators

Eric Boehm

Reporter, Reason

Eric Boehm is a Reporter for Reason. He lives in Arlington, Virginia, but will never consider himself a southerner. He writes about state government, pensions, licensing, regulations, civil liberties, and anything else that strikes him in the moment. Previously, he was a national... Read More →

Speakers

Mark DiPlacido

Policy Advisor, American Compass

Policy and government relations professional specializing in issues related to trade, labor markets, the judiciary, education, taxes, and regulation. Excel at verbal and written communication, critical thinking, and project management.

Dominic Pino

Thomas L. Rhodes Journalism Fellow, National Review Institute

Monday November 18, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EST
Location: Salons 1-3

Concurrent Block 1

11:45am EST

Break & Lunch Buffet Open

Monday November 18, 2024 11:45am - 12:10pm EST

Location: Foyer

Monday November 18, 2024 11:45am - 12:10pm EST
Location: Foyer

12:10pm EST

Frederick Douglass Award Lunch & Fireside Chat with Secretary Alex Azar

Monday November 18, 2024 12:10pm - 12:50pm EST

Location: Gallery Ballroom

Moderators

Avik Roy

President, FREOPP

Speakers

Alex Azar

24th U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, Seraphim Strategies, LLC

Secretary Alex Azar is an advisor to Foresite Capital, sits on several corporate, non-profit, and advisory boards, and is a part-time Adjunct Professor of Business and Senior Executive-in-Residence at the University of Miami Herbert Business School. Azar served as the 24th U.S. Secretary... Read More →

Monday November 18, 2024 12:10pm - 12:50pm EST
Location: Gallery Ballroom

Ballroom Sessions

1:00pm EST

The Coming Battle over the Expiring 2017 Tax Cuts

Monday November 18, 2024 1:00pm - 1:40pm EST

Location: Gallery Ballroom

As the 2017 tax cuts approach their expiration, a political showdown is brewing. This panel will explore the economic and political implications of renewing, revising, or letting these tax provisions expire. Experts will discuss the potential impact on American households, businesses, and the broader economy, as well as the key players and debates likely to shape the battle ahead.

Moderators

Avik Roy

President, FREOPP

Speakers

Grover Norquist

President, Americans for Tax Reform

Grover Norquist is president of Americans for Tax Reform (ATR), a taxpayer advocacy group he founded in 1985 at President Reagan’s request. ATR works to limit the size and cost of government and opposes higher taxes at the federal, state, and local levels and supports tax reform... Read More →

Ryan Ellis

President, Center for a Free Economy

Ryan Ellis is a longtime conservative policy activist and a recognized expert on tax and healthcare issues. Ellis is an IRS Enrolled Agent, and has run his own seasonal tax preparation business for over 20 years. He writes occasionally for National Review Online.

Daniel Bunn

President and CEO, Tax Foundation

Daniel Bunn is President and CEO of the Tax Foundation. Daniel has been with the organization since 2018 and, prior to becoming President, successfully built its Center for Global Tax Policy, expanding the Tax Foundation’s reach and impact around the world.Prior to joining the Tax... Read More →

Monday November 18, 2024 1:00pm - 1:40pm EST
Location: Gallery Ballroom

Ballroom Sessions

1:40pm EST

IRS Modernization: A Fireside Chat with Aparna Mathur

Monday November 18, 2024 1:40pm - 1:55pm EST

Location: Gallery Ballroom

Join Aparna Mathur and Avik Roy in a fireside chat exploring innovative approaches to redesigning technology for better access to social safety net programs. This session will discuss key challenges that low-income taxpayers face in navigating complex systems and highlight how streamlined technological solutions could improve participation in essential benefits. Aparna will share practical recommendations for modernizing IRS processes to reduce administrative burdens and increase financial support uptake among eligible Americans.

Moderators

Avik Roy

President, FREOPP

Speakers

Aparna Mathur

Visiting Fellow, Labor Economics, FREOPP

Aparna Mathur is a visiting scholar at FREOPP where she researches social safety net issues. She is a senior manager in economics at Amazon and a former Senior fellow at Harvard Kennedy School.

Monday November 18, 2024 1:40pm - 1:55pm EST
Location: Gallery Ballroom

Ballroom Sessions

2:15pm EST

Reimagining our Approach to Homelessness

Monday November 18, 2024 2:15pm - 3:00pm EST

Location: Drawing Room

With homelessness growing in cities nationwide, it’s clear that traditional approaches aren’t solving the crisis. This session will delve into innovative policy solutions advocating for a shift toward evidence-based strategies that prioritize housing, mental health support, and personal responsibility. Alongside discussion of the recent Grants Pass Supreme Court decision, panelists will explore practical, humane alternatives to improve public safety, reduce chronic homelessness, and ensure local resources are used effectively to help the unhoused find stability and independence.

Moderators

Judge Glock

Senior Fellow & Director of Research, Manhattan Institute

Judge Glock is the director of research and a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute and a contributing editor at City Journal. He was formerly the senior director of policy and research at the Cicero Institute, a nonpartisan think tank based in Austin, and a visiting professor of economics at West Virginia University. He writes about the intersection of economics, finance, and housing, with a perspective informed by his work in economic history... Read More →

Speakers

Tyler Clancy

Representative, Utah House

Rep. Tyler Clancy represents District 60, in the Utah House of Representatives. Elected at 25, he is the youngest person elected to the Legislature since 1855. Since his election, Tyler has worked hard to represent his neighbors in Provo, by taking on the tough issues of homelessness... Read More →

Michael Tanner

Senior Fellow, Social Mobility, FREOPP

After spending 29 years with the Cato Institute, Michael Tanner joined FREOPP in April 2023. Since then he has authored several studies for FREOPP on issues such as reparations, the definition of poverty, and homelessness. Tanner is also the author of The Inclusive Economy, which... Read More →

Roger Valdez

Research Fellow, Housing, FREOPP

Roger Valdez is Director of the Center for Housing Economics and a Research Fellow at the Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity (FREOPP). He is an advocate for progressive supply side solutions to housing scarcity. Lack of housing keeps cities expensive for poorer people and... Read More →

Monday November 18, 2024 2:15pm - 3:00pm EST
Location: Drawing Room

Concurrent Block 2

2:15pm EST

The Future of Work is Skills First

Monday November 18, 2024 2:15pm - 3:00pm EST

Location: Salons 1-3

As the economy evolves, the traditional college degree is no longer the only path to a successful career. This panel will explore the growing importance of skill-based education and alternative career pathways that prioritize practical experience and vocational training. We will discuss how industries are shifting toward a 'skills first' approach and how these alternatives can open doors to fulfilling, well-paying careers that do not require a four-year degree.

Moderators

Laura Maristany

Founder & CEO, Katch Skills

Speakers

Jon Hartley

Research Fellow, Financial Services, FREOPP

Jon Hartley is an economist, a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity (FREOPP), a Senior Fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute, and Host of the Capitalism and Freedom in the 21st Century Podcast at the Hoover Institution. Jon is a graduate of the University... Read More →

Akash Chougule

Vice President, Government Affairs, Americans for Prosperity

Akash Chougule is Vice President of Americans for Prosperity, the nation's largest free-market grassroots advocacy organization. Prior to his current role, Akash was Vice President of the Economic Opportunity Priority Initiative at the Stand Together Chamber of Commerce. Akash also... Read More →

Steve Taylor

Director and Senior Fellow, Stand Together Trust

Dr. Steven Taylor is the Director and Senior Fellow for the Future of Work at Stand Together Trust. He leads the investment and partnership strategy and builds issue-focused coalitions to educate policymakers on reforms that empower and motivate all individuals to leverage their skills... Read More →

Monday November 18, 2024 2:15pm - 3:00pm EST
Location: Salons 1-3

Concurrent Block 2

2:15pm EST

Will AI Advance or Hinder Equal Opportunity?

Monday November 18, 2024 2:15pm - 3:00pm EST

Location: Salons 4-5

As artificial intelligence rapidly reshapes industries, the new technology could level the playing field by creating new opportunities for underserved populations. It could also exacerbate existing inequalities through biased algorithms and automation. In this panel, we will explore the potential risks and benefits of AI as it becomes ever more integral in the workforce and education, as well as ways to ensure that it expands opportunity without leaving the most vulnerable behind.

Moderators

Dan Lips

Senior Fellow, Education (K-12), FREOPP

Dan Lips is senior fellow with the Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity. He is head of policy at the Foundation for American Innovation. He previously was policy director with the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.

Speakers

Brent Orrell

Senior Fellow, American Enterprise Institute

Brent Orrell is a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), specializing in job training and workforce development with a special focus on disconnected and disadvantaged populations, including youth, justice-involved, veterans, and neurodivergent persons. His recent... Read More →

Neil Chilson

Head of AI Policy, Abundance Institute

Neil Chilson is a lawyer, computer scientist, and author of the book “Getting Out of Control: Emergent Leadership in a Complex World.” Neil is Head of AI Policy at the Abundance Institute, where he works to create a policy and cultural environment where emerging technologies... Read More →

Wayne Brough

Program Director for Technology and Innovation, R Street Institute

Wayne Brough has a strong background in economics and public policy, focusing on regulatory policy in a number of fields, including technology, energy, insurance, and transportation. I also work on fiscal and tax policy questions, as well as legal reform. I have testified before Congress... Read More →

Monday November 18, 2024 2:15pm - 3:00pm EST
Location: Salons 4-5

Concurrent Block 2

3:15pm EST

Should the U.S. Government Build a Bitcoin Stockpile?

Monday November 18, 2024 3:15pm - 4:00pm EST

Location: Salons 1-3

As cryptocurrencies become increasingly mainstream, politicians like Donald Trump are calling for the U.S. government to build a strategic stockpile of Bitcoin. This panel will explore what such a move would mean for ordinary Americans, including potential risks and benefits for national security, financial stability, and U.S. leadership in the digital economy.

Moderators

Avik Roy

President, FREOPP

Speakers

Daniel Zolnikov

Senator, Montana Senate

Daniel Zolnikov is a member of the Montana State Senate. He assumed office on January 2, 2023.

Grant Dever

Resident Fellow, Energy, FREOPP

Grant believes that human agency augmented by technology can create a future that is much better than our present. Our greatest threats and problems can be mitigated and solved through engineering, entrepreneurship, and local leadership.

David Zell

Co-Founder, Bitcoin Policy Institute

Before founding BPI, David was the Director of Policy for BTC Inc, where he led the organization’s education and advocacy efforts. Previously, David co-founded and led ASAP, a nonprofit organizaion that made history derailing billions of dollars in private prison financing. He studied... Read More →

Monday November 18, 2024 3:15pm - 4:00pm EST
Location: Salons 1-3

Concurrent Block 3

3:15pm EST

Strengthening Legal Immigration

Monday November 18, 2024 3:15pm - 4:00pm EST

Location: Salons 4-5

Legal immigration enriches America’s cultural fabric and plays a vital role in sustaining a strong, dynamic economy, but our current system for managing it is broken. This panel will explore ways to fix some of its most pressing issues, including strengthening legal immigration pathways to address workforce shortages, drive economic growth, and enhance national competitiveness. Panelists will discuss the biggest challenges facing the current system and propose solutions to ensure that legal immigration continues to support a vibrant society.

Moderators

Sandra Benitez

Executive Director, The LIBRE Initiative

Sandra Benitez is the Executive Director for the LIBRE Initiative, she previously served at LIBRE from 2015-2016.Sandra has a decade of experience in various policy, advocacy, and campaign roles, specializing in targeting the US Hispanic electorate. Her experience includes serving... Read More →

Speakers

Daniel Di Martino

Graduate Fellow, Manhattan Institute

David Bier

Director, Immigration Studies, Cato Institute

David J. Bier is the director of immigration studies at the Cato Institute. He is an expert on legal immigration, border security, and interior enforcement. Bier’s work has appeared in the New York Times, the Washington Post, USA Today, and many other print and online publications... Read More →

Janae Shamp

Senator, Arizona Senate

Janae Shamp is an American politician and registered nurse. Shamp was elected in 2022 to serve in the Arizona State Senate, representing District 29 as a member of the Republican Party.

Monday November 18, 2024 3:15pm - 4:00pm EST
Location: Salons 4-5

Concurrent Block 3

3:15pm EST

Using Technology to Improve Program Integrity & Benefit Delivery

Monday November 18, 2024 3:15pm - 4:00pm EST

Location: Drawing Room

Waste, fraud, and abuse are straining the welfare system, creating an urgent need for innovative solutions that ensure that benefits reach those who truly need them. This panel will explore new research on how digital identity can revolutionize welfare delivery by enhancing accountability and reducing inefficiencies. Experts will discuss how digital tools can verify eligibility, streamline access, and safeguard taxpayer resources while creating a more equitable and efficient system for recipients.

Moderators

Dan Lips

Senior Fellow, Education (K-12), FREOPP

Speakers

Linda Miller

Co-founder and Chair, Program Integrity Alliance

Linda Miller is a national authority on fraud prevention and detection, with over 16 years of experience in both public and private sectors. Currently, Linda is the CEO of Audient Group, a consultancy that delivers cutting-edge antifraud solutions to commercial and government clients... Read More →

Aparna Mathur

Visiting Fellow, Labor Economics, FREOPP

Aparna Mathur is a visiting scholar at FREOPP where she researches social safety net issues. She is a senior manager in economics at Amazon and a former Senior fellow at Harvard Kennedy School.

Monday November 18, 2024 3:15pm - 4:00pm EST
Location: Drawing Room

Concurrent Block 3

4:15pm EST

Why Bureaucracies Fail—And How to Fix Them

Monday November 18, 2024 4:15pm - 5:00pm EST

Location: Gallery Ballroom

Why do large bureaucracies so often fall short of their goals? This panel will explore the common pitfalls that lead to inefficiency and stagnation in large organizations, from government agencies to private companies, and discuss the structural and cultural reforms needed to improve accountability, innovation, and performance. Scholars and experts from a variety of backgrounds will offer solutions to make bureaucracies more responsive and effective in serving the public.

Moderators

Jonathan Bush

Chairman of the Board of Directors, FREOPP

Speakers

Philip Howard

Chair & Founder, Common Good

Beginning with his book The Death of Common Sense in 1995, Philip has written about the central role of human responsibility in a functioning government—the freedom to make timely choices and to be accountable for them. In 2002, he formed Common Good, a nonpartisan coalition... Read More →

Jennifer Pahlka

Senior Fellow, Niskanen Center

Jennifer Pahlka is the author of Recoding America: Why Government is Failing in the Digital Age and How We Can Do Better. She founded Code for America in 2010 and led the organization for ten years. In 2013, she took a leave of absence to serve as U.S. Deputy Chief Technology O... Read More →

Monday November 18, 2024 4:15pm - 5:00pm EST
Location: Gallery Ballroom

Ballroom Sessions

5:00pm EST

Reception & Networking

Monday November 18, 2024 5:00pm - 7:00pm EST

Location: Foyer

Monday November 18, 2024 5:00pm - 7:00pm EST
Location: Foyer

8:00am EST

Breakfast

Tuesday November 19, 2024 8:00am - 8:45am EST

Location: Gallery Ballroom

Tuesday November 19, 2024 8:00am - 8:45am EST
Location: Gallery Ballroom

8:45am EST

Welcome & Opening Remarks

Tuesday November 19, 2024 8:45am - 8:50am EST

Location: Gallery Ballroom

Moderators

Jonathan Bush

Chairman of the Board of Directors, FREOPP

Avik Roy

President, FREOPP

Tuesday November 19, 2024 8:45am - 8:50am EST
Location: Gallery Ballroom

Ballroom Sessions

9:00am EST

Free Market Solutions for Climate, Energy, and Prosperity

Tuesday November 19, 2024 9:00am - 9:45am EST

Location: Salons 1-3

This session will explore how free market principles can address today’s climate and energy challenges while driving economic growth. Experts will discuss innovative strategies to reduce carbon emissions, promote energy independence, and create opportunities for prosperity. Join us to explore how market-driven approaches can align economic incentives with environmental goals for a cleaner, more prosperous future.

Moderators

George P. Bush

Managing Partner (TX), Michael Best & Friedrich LLP

As Managing Partner of the Austin office of Michael Best & Friedrich LLP, I leverage my extensive experience and expertise in corporate law, public policy, and private equity to counsel clients on a range of complex matters that affect their growth prospects. With over 20 years of... Read More →

Speakers

Drew Bond

Co-founder, Chairman & CEO, C3 Solutions

Drew Bond is a mission-driven technology and public policy leader with experience at the highest levels of business, government, and nonprofits. Drew is a serial entrepreneur who has led startups from invention to commercialization in clean energy, data analytics, and online media. Drew... Read More →

Benji Backer

FREOPP

Benji Backer is the Executive Chairman and Founder of the American Conservation Coalition (ACC), the country's largest conservative youth environmental organization, and the author of The Conservative Environmentalist: Common Sense Solutions for a Sustainable Future. His newest venture... Read More →

Rod Richardson

President, The Grace Richardson Fund, CoChair, Climate & Freedom International Coalition

Rod Richardson serves as President of the Grace Richardson Fund (GRF), and co-founder/co-chair of the Climate & Freedom International Coalition Meeting, co-facilitated in collaboration with Tholos Foundation. GRF’s mission is to pioneer collaborative innovation on new free market... Read More →

Tuesday November 19, 2024 9:00am - 9:45am EST
Location: Salons 1-3

Concurrent Block 4

9:00am EST

IRA Drug Pricing Implementation

Tuesday November 19, 2024 9:00am - 9:45am EST

Location: Drawing Room

The drug pricing reforms mandated in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) will have far-reaching effects on patients, health care providers, and the pharmaceutical industry. This panel will delve into the complexities of the IRA’s drug pricing provisions and explore how the new regulations will affect access, innovation, and costs. Health policy experts will analyze the potential benefits and challenges of the policy and what they mean for the future.

Moderators

Gregg Girvan

Resident Fellow, FREOPP

As a policy specialist with nearly 15 years experience in healthcare, long-term care, retirement, and veterans affairs, Gregg leads FREOPP’s health care policy initiatives. Combining knowledge of all levels of government with data analytics, Gregg’s focus is to bring patient-centered... Read More →

Speakers

Ge Bai

Professor, Johns Hopkins Carey Business School and Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

Ge Bai, PhD, CPA is a Professor of Accounting at Johns Hopkins Carey Business School and Professor of Health Policy & Management (joint) at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. An expert on health care accounting, finance, and policy, Dr. Bai has testified before the House... Read More →

Richard Frank

Director-Center on Health Policy, Brookings Institution

Richard G. Frank, Ph. D., is a senior fellow in Economic Studies and director of the Center on Health Policy. He is the Margaret T. Morris Professor of Health Economics, Emeritus, in the Department of Health Care Policy at Harvard Medical School. From 2014 to 2016 he served as Assistant... Read More →

Jacob Brody

Co-Founder & CEO, ZorroCard

Jacob Brody is an experienced investor, entrepreneur, and executive focused on opportunities in the future of healthcare and sustainability. He is currently investing part-time as a Venture Partner at Chaotic Capital and Expanding Capital (growth stage). He previously Co-Founded Accomplish... Read More →

Tuesday November 19, 2024 9:00am - 9:45am EST
Location: Drawing Room

Concurrent Block 4

9:00am EST

Neglected Drivers of the Rising Cost of Living

Tuesday November 19, 2024 9:00am - 9:45am EST

Location: Salons 4-5

While inflation regularly grabs headlines, many other factors are also driving the cost of living ever higher for American families. This panel will examine often-overlooked contributors to rising costs, including housing regulations, health care expenses, energy policies, and labor market dynamics. Scholars specializing in these areas will discuss how they affect everyday expenses and propose solutions that could ease the burden on American households.

Moderators

Michael Toth

Founding Partner, PNT Law Firm

Michael is a seasoned tech General Counsel with over 15 years of corporate counsel and litigation experience. He is skilled at leading legal and policy teams to executive on high-impact initiatives that deliver tech solutions in dynamic markets. Michael's work has been featured in... Read More →

Speakers

Katie Zolnikov

Representative, Montana House

Katie Zolnikov is an American politician serving as a member of the Montana House of Representatives from the 45th district.

Avik Roy

President, FREOPP

Jackson Mejia

Visiting Fellow in Economics, FREOPP

Jackson is a PhD candidate in economics at MIT and a Visiting Fellow at FREOPP. He focuses on macroeconomics and business tax policy.

Tuesday November 19, 2024 9:00am - 9:45am EST
Location: Salons 4-5

Concurrent Block 4

10:00am EST

Fixing the Broken Incentives in the U.S. Welfare System

Tuesday November 19, 2024 10:00am - 10:45am EST

Location: Salons 4-5

Instead of offering a hand up, the U.S. welfare system often traps low-income Americans in cycles of dependency through broken incentives and steep benefit cliffs, which penalize those who try to work their way out of the system. This panel will explore innovative ways to reduce benefit cliffs and create pathways to financial independence, empowering more Americans to transition off assistance and build sustainable, self-sufficient futures.

Moderators

Jonathan Blanks

Managing Editor & Senior Fellow, Criminal Justice, FREOPP

Speakers

Buzz Brockway

VP of Public Policy, Georgia Center for Opportunity

Buzz serves at GCO’s Vice President of Public Policy. For the past eight years, Buzz Brockway has served in the Georgia House of Representatives serving on committees such as Appropriations, Education, Insurance, and Governmental Affairs. During his time in the Legislature he worked... Read More →

Austin Harris

State Representative, State of Iowa

Austin Harris is an American politician from the state of Iowa. A member of the Republican Party, he was elected to represent the 26th district in the Iowa House of Representatives in the 2022 election.

Michael Tanner

Senior Fellow, Social Mobility, FREOPP

Tuesday November 19, 2024 10:00am - 10:45am EST
Location: Salons 4-5

Concurrent Block 5

10:00am EST

Progress in Education Reform

Tuesday November 19, 2024 10:00am - 10:45am EST

Location: Salons 1-3

This session explores the ongoing K-12 education reform, highlighting the Education Savings Account (ESA) revolution and how market forces are reshaping supply and demand. Experts will discuss the private sector’s role in education, particularly as a human capital investment, and how innovative reforms are creating new opportunities for students and educators. Join us to discuss the future of education and the critical role both policy and private sector involvement play in driving success.

Moderators

Dan Lips

Senior Fellow, Education (K-12), FREOPP

Speakers

Ted Patterson

Vice President of Grassroots, American Action Fund

Ted Patterson serves as Vice President of Grassroots for American Action Fund, a special project of Young Americans for Liberty (YAL). Since 2018, the YAL Team has worked with liberty legislators to pass over 750 liberty bills into law across America. Today, YAL’s national liberty... Read More →

Candice Pierucci

Representative, Utah House

Candice currently serves as the Chair of Education and is also on the following committees: Transportation, Government Operations, and Public Education Appropriations.She has worked as Director of Community Relations for Congressman Chris Stewart, and most recently has been the development... Read More →

Arushi Mathavan

Investor, Learn Capital

Arushi is an investor with Learn Capital and a graduate of the McCombs School of Business. She is passionate about social entrepreneurship, education reform, and exploring how companies can solve our world's most pressing education and equity concerns.

Robert Enlow

President and CEO, EdChoice

Tuesday November 19, 2024 10:00am - 10:45am EST
Location: Salons 1-3

Concurrent Block 5

10:00am EST

Why do health care prices keep going up?

Tuesday November 19, 2024 10:00am - 10:45am EST

Location: Drawing Room

Rising health care costs continue to burden American families, with provider and hospital pricing playing a significant role. This panel will dive into the factors driving these price increases, including market consolidation, opaque pricing practices, and the lack of competition. Experts will discuss the impact of these trends on patients and explore potential policy solutions to make health care more affordable and transparent.

Moderators

Jonathan Bush

Chairman of the Board of Directors, FREOPP

Speakers

Josh Archambault

Co-Founder and President, Senior Fellow, Reformers Academy, Cicero Institute

Josh is the co-founder and president of Reformers Academy, which recruits, trains, and deploys policy-interested professionals to positions of influence in the healthcare and education arenas. He also serves as a Senior Fellow on healthcare for the multi-state think tank Cicero I... Read More →

Caroline Pearson

Executive Director, Peterson Center on Healthcare

Nationally-recognized expert in public and private health insurance, prescription drugs, and aging issues. Two decades of consulting experience providing data-driven analysis and strategic advice to healthcare stakeholders. Now on a mission to reduce health care spending at the Peterson... Read More →

Gregg Girvan

Resident Fellow, FREOPP

Tuesday November 19, 2024 10:00am - 10:45am EST
Location: Drawing Room

Concurrent Block 5

11:00am EST

The Politics of Freedom & Progress in 2028

Tuesday November 19, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EST

Location: Gallery Ballroom

Moderators

Avik Roy

President, FREOPP

Speakers

Kent Lassman

President & CEO, Competitive Enterprise Institute

Kent Lassman has served as president and CEO at the Competitive Enterprise Institute since 2016, overseeing strategy and operations for the free-market organization. As president, Lassman brings to CEI more than 30 years of public policy, research, and executive management experience... Read More →

Ramesh Ponnuru

Editor, National Review

Ramesh Ponnuru is an American conservative thinker, political pundit, and journalist. He is the editor of National Review magazine, a contributing columnist for The Washington Post, and a contributing editor to the domestic policy journal National Affairs.

Lanhee Chen

David and Diane Steffy Fellow in American Public Policy Studies, Hoover Institution

Lanhee conducts research and provides commentary on contemporary American public policy issues, focusing on health care policy, economic policy, and US-China relations. He works closely with federal and state policymakers and regulators to provide policy counsel and recommendations... Read More →

Tuesday November 19, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EST
Location: Gallery Ballroom

Ballroom Sessions