Foundations 6th Annual Policy Orientation to Occur on January 9-10

AUSTIN – The Texas Public Policy Foundation’s “6th Annual Policy Orientation for the Texas Legislature” will take place on January 9th and 10th at the Sheraton Austin Hotel.

The Foundation’s Policy Orientation is a two-day conference that brings together lawmakers policy experts and interested citizens from across the political spectrum to discuss the most critical issues facing the state.  

The Policy Orientation is the largest policy event in Texas each year.  More than 650 people registered for last year’s event and a similar turnout is expected next week.

This year’s keynote speakers are (anticipated speaking time in parentheses):

                * Texas Atty. Gen. Greg Abbott (January 9th 1:30 p.m.)
                * South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford (January 9th 6:45 p.m.)
                * Internationally renowned economist Dr. Arthur Laffer (January 10th 1:00 p.m.)
                * Texas Gov. Rick Perry (January 10th 7:30 p.m.)

The panel sessions will cover policy issues including health care energy and the environment higher education insurance immigration budget and spending transparency public education reform eminent domain bilingual education criminal justice and natural resources.  A copy of the tentative Policy Orientation agenda is attached.

Credentialed news media may attend all of the keynote speeches and panel sessions.  Reporters will be accommodated along the sides and back of the ballroom during the keynote speeches.  Seating for the panel sessions will be open.

Reporters interested in covering the event should contact the Foundation’s Director of Media and Government Relations David Guenthner (dguenthner@texaspolicy.com).  While media registration will be available on-site advance registration by 12 noon on Tuesday January 8th will be appreciated.  News organizations with special A/V requirements should call as soon as possible. 

The Foundation’s media staff will be available on-site during the event to facilitate media requests but if there are particular speakers who you are interested in interviewing separate from their presentations please indicate that when you register.  Some of the presenters are on very tight schedules and advance notice of specific interview requests will improve the Foundation’s ability to facilitate them.

WHAT:          6th Annual Policy Orientation for the Texas Legislature

WHEN:          January 9 2008 – 1:30 p.m. until 8 p.m.
                        January 10 2008 – 9:30 a.m. until 9 p.m.

WHERE:        Sheraton Austin Hotel
                        701 E. 11th Street
                        Austin Texas

The Texas Public Policy Foundation is a non-profit free-market research institute based in Austin.