Florida State University’s nationally recognized experts are ready to answer media questions and provide analysis about the shutdown of the federal government for the first time in nearly 18 years.
POLITICAL PERSPECTIVES
•Carol Weissert, the LeRoy Collins Eminent Scholar Chair and professor of political science: (850) 644-7320 or (850) 297-0111; [email protected]Weissert teaches American national and state politics. Her research interests include intergovernmental relations, federalism, health policy, Florida politics and elections. She can discuss the political ramifications of the government shutdown:
“Congress is living up to its single-digit approval ratings by holding federal spending hostage to partisan concerns. The last time this happened 18 years ago, the public disgust led to some beneficial results in a major bipartisan tax and budget changes. But it is a painful way to make policy.”
•Deana A. Rohlinger, associate professor of sociology: (850) 644-2493; [email protected]
Rohlinger, whose research focuses on social movements, mass media, political participation and political culture and democratic processes, can discuss what the government shutdown demonstrates to the average American: "The government shutdown shows Americans just how poorly behaved politicians have become. Petty squabbles and political posturing rather than reasoned discussion and compromise are the order of the day. It is not difficult to link this bad behavior to the historically low approval ratings of Congress."
ECONOMIC RAMIFICATIONS
•Randall G. Holcombe, the DeVoe L. Moore Professor of Economics: (850) 644-7095; [email protected]Holcombe’s areas of specialization are public finance and the economic analysis of public policy issues. He is the author of 12 books and more than 100 articles in academic and professional journals. Holcombe also served as a member of Florida Gov. Jeb Bush’s Council of Economic Advisors from 2000 to 2006. He can discuss the potential impact of the government shutdown on the economy:
“The government shutdown will have a minimal effect on the overall economy, even if it is not quickly resolved. The federal government is preserving its ‘essential’ functions and any reduction in government spending — even temporary — would be beneficial. Some individuals will feel a substantial impact, such as people whose families are enrolled in the suspended Head Start program, people who are enrolled in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program and, of course, government workers who are being laid off. Some benefits, like Social Security and food stamps, will continue. The major impact will be on individuals who rely on government for benefits or income, but the aggregate impact on the economy will be small.”
•Franita Tolson, the Betty T. Ferguson Professor of Voting Rights in the College of Law: (850) 644-7402; [email protected] Tolson’s scholarship focuses on the areas of constitutional law, election law, legal history and employment discrimination. Her research has been published in leading law reviews, and she has written for or appeared as a commentator for various mass media outlets. She can comment on the potential economic and political ramifications of a government shutdown:
“A government shutdown sends a message to the economic markets and the world at large that our political system is so partisan that the government is unable to function effectively. The standstill in Congress threatens the health of our economy and could possibly result in another downgrade of the country’s credit rating. The controversy over the government shutdown also impacts upcoming discussions about raising the debt limit and foreshadows the stalemate likely to occur over this issue in the coming month.” ###
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