Kenneth Gibbs, President, Municipal Securities Group, Jefferies & Co. Inc.
In 2010, 48 U.S. states faced shortfalls - a record gap of $192 billion, or 29 percent of total state budgets. The recession slashed operating revenues just as it increased demand for expenditures, and the lack of increasing investment income exposed the impossibility of governments meeting their pension and health-care obligations. It's clear that achieving long-term solvency for states and municipalities will require painful paradigm shifts. This session will address some of the most pressing issues, including the ripple effects of austerity measures and the rise in unfunded liabilities. Most important, it will focus on solutions, from regulatory and policy initiatives to shared sacrifice and a more up-to-date model for generating revenue.
Global Conference 2013
Former Prime Minister Tony Blair, philanthropist Bill Gates and Strive Masiyiwa of Econet Wireless discuss advancing prosperity in Africa.
