MONTEREY — The American people were concerned about rising prices and affordablility even before the war with Iran, former Secretary of Defense and Central Coast Congressman Leon Panetta says. Now, with fuel prices skyrocketing, concerns about the economy have been supercharged, which makes it the perfect time to talk with experts in the field.
Panetta will do just that in the second installment of this year’s Panetta Lecture Series, entitled “The Legacy of the American Economy – Strong Market, Growth and Stability or Another ’29 Crash?”
The panel will also include Jared Bernstein, the former chair of the Council of Economic Advisers (2023-2025); Mitch Daniels, the former governor of Indiana (2005-2003) and director of the Office of Management and Budget (2001-2003); Anja Manuel, former special assistant to the under secretary, Department of State (2005-2007); and Nina Schick, an authority on artificial intelligence and its geopolitical impact.
The lecture will be at 7 p.m. April 20 at the Monterey Conference Center. Tickets are $100.
“On and off tariff policies have caused price increases in a number of areas,” Panetta said in a press release. “A labor market disrupted by the trade war, immigration enforcement and the impact of new technology has resulted in shaky job numbers and markets. The war in Iran has only increased economic
instability with rising oil prices, new concerns about a global recession and the growing price tag for the conflict.
“How can we protect our economy from policies and a war that are increasing prices? Can America restore its reputation as a trusted trade partner? How should our labor force prepare for the consequences of AI? When will our lawmakers begin to address the historic national debt and very real concerns about the solvency of Social Security and Medicare?”
The annual series, now in its 29th year, has been celebrating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution with lectures exploring the question: “What will be its legacy in the 21st century?”
Additional lectures will be presented May 11 and June 1.
The May 11 lecture is will be “The Legacy of American Foreign Policy – World Leadership, Alliances and Democracy or Power, Tariffs and Territory?” The series will conclude on June 1 with a discussion on “The Legacy of Free and Fair Elections – Strong Check and Balance or Constitutional Right in Trouble? ”
Tickets can be purchased with a credit card through the Panetta Institute at (831) 582-4200.