CBAC Economics and Public Policy Forum

Chicago Booth Alumni Club of Chicago

July 6, 2011: 12:00 PM - 1:15 PM

The Economics and Public Policy Forum is a monthly discussion group of Booth alumni and students who gather over lunch to discuss a pre-selected topic and reading material. This is a collegial gathering of equals and we do not present speakers. The topic and pre-reading for July is:



U.S. DEBT CEILING

With the U.S. set to exceed its debt ceiling of $14.29 Trillion in May 2010, the Treasury Department took extreme measures by borrowing billions of dollars from special government funds to buy Congress time to reach an agreement to increase the debt ceiling while cutting spending. These extraordinary measures have moved the critical deadline to August 2, 2011. Join us for a group discussion on U.S. debt, including causes, possible solutions, and whether we should be concerned. Please read the brief articles below so you can more fully participate in the discussion. (Box lunches from Corner Bakery will be provided.)



Pre-Reading:

U.S. Debt Limit Increase Agreement May Take Until August, Ryan Tells NBC, by Silla Brush and Mike Riley, Bloomberg, May 22, 2011

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-05-22/u-s-debt-limit-increase-agreement-may-take-until-august-ryan-tells-nbc.html



Top economist warns of dangers in US debt fight, The Associated Press, May 17, 2011

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5glp5svE5G8gXTj9UN0mMWXhj_GjQ?docId=3d957522368d41f7a590f3d513976507



The U.S. Reaches – and Smashes Through – the Debt Ceiling, by Jake Tapper, ABC News, May 17, 2011

http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2011/05/the-us-reaches-and-smashes-through-the-debt-ceiling.html



Optional Reading:

U.S. should sell assets like gold to get out of debt, conservative economists say, by Joel Achenbach, The Washington Post, May 15, 2011

http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/economy/us-should-sell-assets-like-gold-to-get-out-of-debt-economists-say/2011/05/12/AFIvmI4G_story.html

Where

Kopecky, Schumacher & Bleakley, P.C.
Suite 1620
203 N. LaSalle St.
Chicago, Illinois

Cost

$15.00 CBAC Members and Current Booth Students
$20.00 Non-CBAC Members
(box lunch from Corner Bakery included)

Registration

Register Online

Deadline: 7/5/2011

Program

12:00 PM-1:15 PM: (box lunch included)

Speaker Profiles

Elizabeth A. Bleakley (Moderator) '02
Attorney, CBAC VP Continuing Education, Kopecky, Schumacher & Bleakley, P.C.
http://www.ksblegal.com

Dennis Aust (Moderator) '80
Managing Director, CBAC Chair, CharterMast Partners
http://www.chartermast.com/Team.htm

Questions

Elizabeth A. Bleakley, '02 

312-636-6684