Saturday, July 27, 2013

NJAPF Hosts Friedman Legacy Event On July 31

Americans for Prosperity Foundation-New Jersey is part of an international effort celebrating the life and legacy of Milton Friedman, the late Nobel Prize winner who is considered one of the 20th century’s leading economists.

Now, the 4th Annual Friedman Legacy Day Reception, sponsored by the Friedman Foundation for Educational Choice, will take place at the Fiesta in Woodbridge from 12:00-2:00pm on Wednesday, July 31. The New Jersey event will be feature a keynote address by Cato Institute senior fellow Daniel J. Mitchell followed by a discussion about School Choice and Common Core educational standards.

Friedman’s theories on free markets and limited government dominated the economic and political discourse in the latter half of the 20th century. His opinions countered those of British economist John Maynard Keynes, who advocated for greater government spending as a way to prevent economic downtimes. Friedman also gained notoriety for his book “Capitalism and Freedom” and the PBS special “Free to Choose.”

“Whether it’s here in New Jersey, or places like Detroit or Greece, today we are witnessing the destructive impacts caused by an ever-growing, ever-encroaching government.” said Daryn Iwicki, deputy state director of AFP Foundation’s New Jersey chapter. “The road to prosperity is not paved by bureaucrats, central planners and big government. The road to prosperity begins by embracing economic freedom and the free-market ideas, works and theories championed by Dr. Friedman. Without saying, AFP Foundation is proud to host this event in his honor.”

AFPF’s Friedman Legacy Day Reception has featured some of the most prominent economic and public policy scholars in the country, including the Wall Street Journal’s Steve Moore and Mercatus Center’s Veronique de Rugy, and this year is no exception.

“Today, there is arguably no greater advocate for limited government and free markets than Dan Mitchell of the Cato Institute,” stated Iwicki. “Not only is Dan one of the brightest minds in the country when it comes to fiscal and tax policy, but he is terrific at making these topics fun, understandable and engaging. AFP Foundation is excited to have Dan on hand and could not think of anyone better to deliver the keynote at this year’s event.”

The Friedman Legacy Day Reception will also include a discussion of School Choice and Common Core, with presentations by Carolee Adams of the Eagle Forum and Rob Pettet, district director for Congressman Scott Garrett.

Dr. Friedman and his wife Rose were staunch advocates of School Choice and parental control in education. Today, the Friedman’s name appears frequently in matters related to School Choice, as the late Nobel laureate was father of the school voucher idea. As early as 1955, Friedman proposed vouchers as the best possible way to raise the quality of schooling in America. In New Jersey, Americans for Prosperity Foundation has also been an active participant in School Choice Week over the past several years.

For more information about AFP Foundation’s Friedman Legacy Day Reception, please contact Communications Director Mike Proto at 201-400-3666 or by e-mail at mproto@afphq.org. Media are invited to attend.

No comments: