Action Research Center Roundtables

A series of public dialogues sponsored by the faculty at Illinois Wesleyan University

Tax Reform: What are the Options? download .mp3 file

Professors Jim Simeone, Ruth Ann Friedberg and Diego Mendez-Carbajo

This roundtable uses the claim-objection-rejoinder format to address the strengths and weaknesses of tax policy reforms now before the public. By modeling this liberal arts format, this discussion aims to help citizens understand the principles, values and tradeoffs at stake in our tax policy debate.

Social Security Reform: What are the Options? download .mp3 file

Professors Greg Shaw, Susan Swanlund and Tari Renner

This roundtable will set the social security issue in the context of public opinion, the strategies of the political parties, and recent changes in the Medicare program.  The goal of this discussion is to help citizens understand the political and economic challenges that confront the efforts to reform social security.

Trading Places, Trading Problems: Global Markets in the 21st Century download .mp3 file

Professors Frank Boyd, William Munro and Abigail Jahiel

This roundtable will set US trade policy in the context of evolving World Trade Organization rules, the impact of trade on developing nations and the challenge of open trade with China. The goal of this discussion is to help citizens understand the political, social and environmental dimensions of global trade reform.