Media Contact:
Carrie Conko
Director of Communications
Mercatus Center at George Mason University
Office: 703-993-4899
Email: cconko@gmu.edu
Accountability and Government Oversight
Mercatus Center research seeks to understand the consequences – both intended and unintended – of public sector management processes, such as funding and management decisions by state and federal governments, and improve the state of knowledge to which these processes refer, thereby fostering solutions that promote a freer, more prosperous, and civil society. Research focus includes: tax and fiscal policy, government accountability, the contracting process, government reform, and congressional oversight.
Related Links:
Annual Performance Report Scorecard
Accountable Legislation Test
Outcome Based Scrutiny
Recent Events
Intellectual Property: Domestic and International Perspectives
Start: April 16, 2008 12:00 PMTo address some areas of recent concern, the Mercatus Center will host a two-day program on current intellectual property issues including international IP and the patent system.
The Games Economists Play: Interactive Public Policy
Start: March 19, 2008 08:00 AMDr. Antony Davies of Duquesne University will conduct an interactive “economic experiment” to engage participants in understanding the interconnectedness of citizens, public policy, and the economy. This particular experiment will allow participants to observe how public services such as health care and education affect the decisions that constituents make about their lives and community.
A Balancing Act: Examining U.S. Budget Issues
Start: March 18, 2008 12:00 PMTo address several considerations that commonly arise in this debate the Mercatus Center at George Mason University will host a three-day program to explore an academic perspective on budgetary issues. Scott Pattison of the National Association of State Budget Officers will explain state budgetary policies, Roy Meyers will analyze the impact a variety of reforms could have on the federal budget process, and Veronique de Rugy will speak on budget deficits.
E-Transparency: Google for Government
Start: February 28, 2008 12:00 PMIn this course, Jerry Brito, Senior Research Fellow at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University will present his research on how online resources are an important aspect of the process of achieving government transparency. Mr. Brito will focus the benefits of and tools for putting data online in structured and searchable formats.
Transparency.com: The Use of Online Resources
Start: February 12, 2008 12:00 PMThe Mercatus Center at George Mason University is pleased to present a panel discussion on the use of online resources in improving government transparency.
Avoiding the Crunch: New Ideas for Addressing Budget Deficits
Start: February 8, 2008 12:00 PMDr. David Gamage of the University of California at Berkeley's Boalt Hall will present his on-going research on how tax structures can respond to fiscal volatility in state budgets.
State Budget Woes: Best Practices from Around the Country
Start: February 7, 2008 12:00 PMScott Pattison of the National Association of State Budget Officers will address California's budget crisis in light of other state's experiences with their budgets. Pattison will provide up-to-date information on the status of other state budgets and suggest some best practices that California could implement in their budget process.
Procuring Protection
Start: January 23, 2008 12:00 PMAn in-depth look at the economic costs and benefits of the homeland security allocation process.
New Year's Resolution: Keeping Government Accountable
Start: January 10, 2008 12:00 PMThe Mercatus Center at George Mason University hosts the Hon. Maurice McTigue to discuss how to improve government by maintaining a policy of openness in the public eye through increased government transparency and accountability.
Exploring Issues in Tax Policy
Start: December 11, 2007 12:00 PMTaxation has always been a major part of American politics and continues to be the focus for debate and discussion, especially when reform is desired. To understand this complex issue the Mercatus Center at George Mason University is pleased to present a three-day course on current tax policy and past reform movements.
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