Dealing with America's Debt Overhang

Growth or Austerity, and Other Policy Choices
Event

Second Bernard L. Schwartz Economic Symposium

The bursting of the housing and credit bubbles has left the United States with a huge debt overhang. As a result of the buildup of private sector debt and the economic crisis, households and firms are finding it difficult to service debt and lay a foundation for a sustainable recovery.

New America Foundation's Economic Growth Program hosted leading economists and public intellectuals to discuss the following questions:

  • Can we grow our way out of debt without setting off inflation?
  • How can households reduce their debt levels without killing off demand?
  • Does the debt pose a threat to the dollar?

Below, you will find several power point presentations, the agenda, and videos for each panel discussion.

You can also follow this symposium on Twitter.

Panelists' Presentations

You can access the panelists' presentations from the symposium by clicking on the links below.

Thomas Palley Presentation- Budget Deficit Hysteria

Sherle Schwenninger Presentation- Debt Overhang

Carmen Reinhart- Fiscal Consequences

 


Participants