Program Description

Government services, structures and systems are an essential foundation for a healthy economy where opportunity and prosperity are broadly and equitably shared. The twin pandemics of COVID-19 and systemic racism have exposed and deepened our current economy’s structural weaknesses and inequalities and spurred a new moment of national reckoning on racial justice. Join us to learn more about key provisions in the federal budget and recovery package, upcoming budget debates, and strategies to advance worker justice, social protections and an economy that works for all. Immediately following the live webinar, Philanthropy Missouri Members will be invited to join a discussion with Amy Blouin, President & CEO of the Missouri Budget Project, to explore the implications for the state of Missouri.

Impact on Missouri: States get about one-third of their revenue from the federal government — funds that help pay for health care, schools, housing, roads, child care, job training, and a range of other programs. Unlike the federal government, most states and localities must balance their budgets every year. The pandemic and economic fallout are placing significant strains on state and local budgets, costing millions to contain the disease and driving significant declines in income and sales tax revenues. Budget shortfalls, dwindling rainy day funds, and insufficient federal relief will leave policymakers facing tough choices about raising taxes and fees, cutting spending on critical programs, and imposing furloughs and layoffs on public employees.

This, in turn, has enormous implications for philanthropy and for your grantees.

Agenda

12:00-1:15pm  - Watch the Economic Opportunities Funders’ live webinar, featuring the following panelists:

• Marcia Egbert, The George Gund Foundation (Moderator)
• Sharon Parrott, Center on Budget and Policy Priorities 
• Dr. Michael McAfee, PolicyLink 

1:15pm-2:00pm - Join a conversation with Missouri grantmaking colleagues, featuring Amy Blouin of the Missouri Budget Project

Questions? Contact deb@centerforgiving.org.

Partnership

Special thanks to the Missouri Budget Project and Economic Opportunity Funders (EOF) for partnering with us on this program.