States and cities face tax increases and sharp cuts in vital public services, with likely harsh effects on economic activity and competitiveness going forward. Economists for Peace and Security will sponsor a symposium to discuss the budget crises faced by state and local governments including cuts to social services and increasing taxes. Will budget cuts help, as some claim — or hurt, as others believe – the economies of affected jurisdictions and the country? CEPR Co-Director Dean Baker took part in a panel on “Workers’ Rights, Workers’ Pay, and Local Public Services: Are Workers and Unions the Cause of State Budget Crises?” The conference is viewable via simultaneous webcast.