2019 Solutions Summit

Please join legislators, community leaders, and policy experts in Baton Rouge on March 28th for the Pelican Institute’s 2019 Solutions Summit. At this year’s Summit, you’ll engage with policy and legislative leaders from Louisiana and across the country to learn about actionable and proven solutions to the most critical policy issues facing quality job creation in Louisiana.

Throughout the day, the Pelican Institute will offer inspiration and practical knowledge on key policy issues including: tax and budget, K-12 education, legal and regulatory, and what’s next for criminal justice …just to name a few. Each session, led by a moderator and a selection of local and national experts, will be set up “interview-style” and will allow for participants to engage in a robust dialogue on these critical issues.

And, because all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, we’ll close the event with a cocktail reception and toast to freedom while enjoying the sweeping views from atop the Baton Rouge Hilton.

Register today! You won’t want to miss this event! Engaging speakers and a few special guests will be announced in the coming days and weeks.

This is a private event. The Pelican Institute reserves the right to refuse registration and entrance.

2019/03/28 08:30:00

8:00 am – 9:00 am

Registration & Continental Breakfast

9:00 am – 10:30 am

Reforming Louisiana’s Tax System: Simple. Fair. Flat.

Moderator: Daniel Erspamer, CEO, Pelican Institute for Public Policy

Participants:

Julia Howard, North Carolina State Representative
Chris Jacobs, Senior Fellow, Pelican Institute for Public Policy
Jonathan Williams, Chief Economist and Vice President, American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC)

10:30 am – 10:45 am

Networking Break

10:45 am – 12:00 pm

Reforming Louisiana’s Legal & Regulatory Systems: The Gateway to Jobs and Opportunity

Moderator: Melissa Landry, former Executive Director, Louisiana Lawsuit Abuse Watch (LLAW)

Participants:

James Baehr, General Counsel, Pelican Institute for Public Policy
James Broughel, Senior Research Fellow, Mercatus Center at George Mason University
The Honorable Luther Strange, former United States Senator (AL) and Alabama Attorney General

Reforming K-12 Education: A School That Fits

Moderator: Brigitte Nieland, Government Affairs Director, Stand for Children

Participants:

Nathan Hoffman, Regional Advocacy Director for the Gulf Region, ExcelinEd
Steve Smith, Arizona State Director, American Federation for Children (AFC)

12:15 pm – 1:45 pm

Gubernatorial Candidate Forum and Luncheon

Moderator: Daniel Erspamer, CEO, Pelican Institute for Public Policy

Honored Guests:

Congressman Ralph Abraham
Eddie Rispone
Governor John Bel Edwards (invited)

2:00 pm – 3:15 pm

Reforming Louisiana’s Medicaid System to Serve Our Most Vulnerable Citizens

Moderator: Renee Amar, Vice President for Government Affairs, Pelican Institute for Public Policy

Participants:

Chris Jacobs, Senior Fellow, Pelican Institute for Public Policy
Tom Newell, Government Affairs Director, Foundation for Government Accountability

What’s Next for Criminal Justice Reform in Louisiana: Building on the 2017 Justice Reinvestment Package

Moderator: Nathalie Simon, Director of Government Affairs and Public Policy Initiatives, Laitram, LLC

Participants:

Matt Caldwell, Former Florida State Representative
Gene Mills, President, Louisiana Family Forum
Scott Peyton, Louisiana State Director, Right on Crime
Kahryn Riley, Manager, Mackinac Center for Public Policy Criminal Justice Reform Initiative

3:15 pm – 3:30 pm

Networking Break

3:30 pm – 4:45 pm

Reforming Occupational Licensing in Louisiana: Removing the Burden from Individuals and Small Business Owners

Moderator: John Kay, State Director, Americans for Prosperity – Louisiana

Participants:

Laura Ebke, Former Nebraska State Senator and Platt Institute Senior Fellow for Job Licensing Reform
Lee McGrath, Senior Legislative Counsel and Managing Attorney of the Institute for Justice Minnesota Office
Dr. Edward Timmons, Professor of Economics and Director of the Knee Center for the Study of Occupational Regulation at Saint Francis University

Advancing Technology & Innovation Policies to Spur Economic Growth in Louisiana

Moderator: Eric Peterson, Director of Policy, Pelican Institute for Public Policy

Participants:

Christopher Koopman, Senior Director of Strategy and Research Center for Growth and Opportunity at Utah State University
Margaret Mire, State Affairs Manager, Americans for Tax Reform
Jason Saine, North Carolina State Representative

5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Join us on the top floor of the Hilton to enjoy spirits, hors d’oeuvres, and great company!