ICYMI: Thompson, Zandi Discuss Economy, Gun Violence at Virtual Town Hall
Last night, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) hosted a virtual town hall with Moody’s Analytics Chief Economist Mark Zandi and answered questions on the economy, gun violence prevention, inflation, Silicon Valley Bank, and other top-of-mind issues.
“Last Congress, we were able to accomplish a number of very important things that really helped us get back on the road to recovery,” said Thompson. “While we still have challenges, including inflation, the debt ceiling, the climate crisis, and supply chain struggles, I felt it was important to bring an expert like Mark on to our town hall to lay out where we are and what we can expect in the near- and long-term. I am appreciative of Mark’s willingness to join me this week and look forward to working with him to steer our economy in the right direction.
“In the wake of the Nashville school shooting, it was important to provide an update on gun violence prevention legislation and what steps we can take to help save lives and reduce gun violence. As Chair of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, I am focused on delivering concrete solutions that build on the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the most significant gun violence prevention bill in 30 years, that will keep kids safe in schools and keep firearms out of dangerous hands.”
“Despite all of the challenges that we face, the banking crisis, the high inflation, which is still painfully high, the higher interest rates, the economy is showing amazing resilience,” said Zandi. “Despite all the shocks the economy has had to absorb: the pandemic, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and now the banking crisis, I think we have a fighting shot to get through the next 12, 18, 24 months. It's going to be difficult; I think it's going to feel uncomfortable at times, but I think we'll be able to get through without an outright economic downturn. I’d like to thank Congressman Thompson for his work and for the opportunity to join him in a discussion for his constituents.”
The full town hall can be viewed here.