ATLANTA, March 3, 2005 � Michael Tanner, Director of Health and Welfare Studies for the Cato Institute and Kenneth S. Apfel, Sid Richardson Chair in Public Affairs of the University of Texas at Austin will kick-off the 2005 Retirement Conference Series addressing a topic at the front of everyone�s minds�the viability of the U.S. Social Security system.
Michael Tanner directs research on new, market-based approaches to health welfare and public �entitlements.� Under Tanner�s direction, Cato launched the Project on Social Security Choice, widely considered the leading impetus for transforming the soon-to-be-bankrupt system into a private savings program. Tanner�s writing has been published in the Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today. He has appeared on ABC, CBS, NBC, National Public Radio, PBS, Fox News Channel, MSNBC, CNBC and Voice of America.
Kenneth Apfel joined the faculty of LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin in January 2001. Prior to his academic appointment, he served as Commissioner of the Social Security Administration (SSA) and he was the first Senate-confirmed Commissioner of Social Security after SSA became an independent agency. During his tenure as Commissioner, Apfel significantly strengthened the policy, planning and public education activities at the Social Security Administration.
During their presentation, �Social Security: The Third Leg or the Third Rail?� Tanner and Apfel will explore the current proposals to reform or maintain Social Security in what promises to be an insightful and informative discussion.
The Retirement Conference Series is sponsored by LIMRA International, LOMA and the Society of Actuaries and will be held April 6-8, 2005 at the Westin La Cantera Resort in San Antonio , Texas . The conference is dedicated exclusively to professionals serving the retirement industry � annuity professionals, pension providers, professionals managing retirement assets and income and more. This year, The Retirement Conference Series combines three programs � The Annuity Conference, The Pension Conference, and The Retirement Symposium to offer insight into the latest trends in marketing, sales and operations, and to determine how best to manage assets during retirement.
LIMRA International
LIMRA International is a worldwide association providing research, consulting and other services to nearly 850 insurance and financial services companies in more than 60 countries. LIMRA was established in 1916 to help its member companies maximize their marketing effectiveness. Visit LIMRA International at www.limra.com.
Society of Actuaries
The Society of Actuaries is an educational, research, and professional organization dedicated to serving the public and Society members. Its mission is to advance knowledge and to enhance the ability of actuaries to provide expert advice and relevant solutions for financial, business, and societal problems involving uncertain future events.