On the Phone: Jonathan Strong, Roll Call Staff Writer
Topic: Discuss reports that House Republicans plan a vote next week for a temporary increase to the debt limit in exchange for the adoption of a Senate budget.
Cheryl Olson, Co-Author, “Grand Theft Childhood: The Surprising Truth About Violent Video Games”
Topic: As part of the White House’s initiative on gun violence, President Obama pushed for Congress to fund a study on the effect that violent video games have upon “young minds”. Dr. Olson will not only discuss the proposal from the White House but also her research (funded by the Justice Department) which questions some of the typical conclusions some make between games and violent acts. She met with the Vice President in the lead up to the release of this week’s announcement but also researched video games and violence for the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.
John Lott, Author, “More Guns, Less Crime: Understanding Crime & Gun Control Laws”
Topic: Guest, who advocates for gun rights, will offer his perspective on the Obama Administration’s release of initiatives to reduce gun violence.
Diane Oakley, National Institute on Retirement Security Executive Director
Topic: Guest will talk about the trend of more Americans dipping into their retirement savings accounts for non-retirement purposes and what it could mean for their later years. She’ll address how and why they’re tapping into accounts like 401(k) plans, what the penalties are, and how employers are grappling with helping their employees save for the future.