Beer, Pizza, and Economics

The Prosperity Caucus brings together economists, policy analysts and others in Washington who want to talk seriously about economic growth. We meet regularly for an evening talk by a guest speaker, followed by questions and open discussion. The format is relaxed. There’s pizza and beer, a $5 contribution covers the refreshments, and you don’t need any particular credentials or affiliation to attend.

We’re interested in the policies that help economies grow and give more people a share in that growth. That covers a lot of ground: taxes and the federal budget, financial regulation, trade, the labor market, and the rules that decide how easily people can build homes, start businesses and find work. Our leanings are market-oriented and pro-growth. We also think those ideas are best tested against strong arguments from people who see things differently, and our speakers have reflected that.

• • • Doug Holtz-Eakin, former director of the Congressional Budget Office
    • Tyler Cowen, economist at George Mason University
    • Peter Wallison and Michael Novak of the American Enterprise Institute
    • Grover Norquist, president of Americans for Tax Reform
    • Peter Wehner of the Ethics and Public Policy Center, a former senior adviser in the George W. Bush White House
    • Stephen Rose, economist, whose research on the middle class and income mobility grew out of his work at Third Way and the U.S. Department of Labor