Anti-tax hardliners and bi-partisan efforts to curb the budget deficit are making it very difficult to increase federal investments in infrastructure. The recently passed Federal Aviation Bill failed to invest at needed levels. Both the House and Senate are now moving surface transportation legislation. The House Bill puts transit and rail funding at risk and the Senate Bill maintains the current level of federal investment. Neither bill is sufficient to bring our surface transportation systems up to world class standards.
Is there a way forward? Join a discussion with former Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell, who dramatically increased state investment in road, bridge and water repairs while curing a gapping state budget deficit; and former reporter, financier and White House economic expert Steve Rattner, who led the nation’s successful overhaul of the auto industry while serving in the White House; and John Podesta as they discuss the short term options for increasing the pace of infrastructure repair that could gain bi-partisan support, while also sharing their observations about the long term reforms needed to return America’s infrastructure to world class standards.
Moderated by:
John Podesta, Chair and Counselor, Center for American Progress
Featured Panelists:
Gov. Ed Rendell, Former Governor of Pennsylvania
Steve Rattner, Chairman, Willett Advisors LLC; Former Obama Administration Auto Czar