Government Reform 2008: Making Government Work for Taxpayers

On April 15, tax day, state and national policy experts gathered in Seattle for WPC's Government Reform conference. Two interactive panels discussed budget and tax policy reform issues, as well as budget accountability, performance, and the role of government. 

The conference was very well attended including individuals from at least 26 states. It drew a wide variety of attendees including state legislators, agency and legislative staff, business owners, citizens and media.

Former U.S. Comptroller David Walker (pictured left) delivered the lunch keynote address to a packed room. He highlighted the looming fiscal crisis caused by government overspending and entitlement programs and record-low levels of savings amongst citizens.

Here are links to videos of the presentations:

Panel 1: Budget and tax reform - TVW

• Donna Arduin - Former budget director for Florida Governor Jeb Bush and California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger - Topic: Rich states, poor states
  Video

• Chris Atkins - Senior Fiscal Policy Adviser, Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels - Topic: Property tax reform
  Video

• Jonathan Williams - Director of the Tax & Fiscal Policy Task Force for the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) - Topic: Budget and tax transparency
  Video

• Panel Q & A

Panel 2: Budget accountability/performance and the role of government

• Hon. Brian Sonntag - Washington State Auditor - Topic: Performance audits
  Video 

• Larisa Benson - Director of Washington State Government Management Accountability and Performance (GMAP) - Topic: Performance management
  Video

• Sheila Weinberg - Founder & CEO of Institute for Truth in Accounting - Topic: Requiring accurate budget information
  Video

• Panel Q & A

Keynote Lunch Address - TVW

• Former U.S. Comptroller David Walker - Topic: Nation's fiscal health
  Video

Additional media coverage of the conference is available here. Details on WPC's Center for Government Reform are available here.