Freedom Seminar Featuring Lecture by Leading U.S. Tax Policy Expert

Northwood University is thrilled to host a presentation about taxation by a leading figure in U.S. tax policy who is renowned for his ability to demystify complex tax issues.

“As Washington lawmakers will face a fiscal cliff at the end of next year when most of the 2017 tax cuts expire, 2025 may well be the most consequential year in fiscal policy in decades,” stated Dr. Dale Matcheck, the David E. Fry Professor in Free Economics at Northwood University. “Failure to act will trigger a $3 trillion automatic tax hike, yet neither presidential candidate has outlined a responsible plan to address this potential crisis.”

Scott Hodge, president emeritus and senior policy advisor for the Tax Foundation, will outline what you should prepare for, what the leading presidential candidates are saying, and how Washington can use the fiscal cliff as a catalyst for pro-growth tax reform during a lecture at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 22, in Griswold Lecture Hall at Northwood University.

The lecture is part of the Northwood University Freedom Seminar, which is hosting weekly programming this fall to explore important economic issues at play in the U.S. presidential election race.

Tuesday’s program will inform students, faculty, staff, and community members about what is happening in the world of taxation and how the U.S. can address a fiscal cliff at the end of 2025.

“No matter who is elected this fall, our tax policies will look much different than they do now,” Matcheck explained. “This is one of the most consequential differences between the two candidates, and all of us will be affected by it. Scott Hodges, one of the nation’s leading experts on tax policy, will explain the how, who, and when of those changes.”

Hodge is the author of “Taxocracy: What You Don’t Know About Taxes and How They Rule Your Daily Life,” a book that explores the profound impact of tax policy on everyday life. As a frequent commentator on national television and radio programs, and in major publications like the Wall Street Journal and Washington Post, Hodge has helped shape public understanding of how taxes influence economic behavior and policy.

Hodge is best known for his long tenure as president of the Tax Foundation, from 2000 to 2022. Under his leadership, the Tax Foundation became a critical resource for policymakers and media, contributing to major legislative efforts such as the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

Now president emeritus of the Tax Foundation, Hodge continues to influence the tax policy debate through his writings, public speaking, and advisory roles.

“(Hodge) is recognized as one of Washington’s leading experts on tax policy, the federal budget, and government spending,” stated Dr. Alexander Tokarev, associate professor of economics and philosophy at Northwood University. “His Freedom Seminar lecture will explain why, before they enact any new tax, lawmakers should explore how people will avoid said tax and how it will affect the market. Also, will it spawn new and untaxed products or services? Who will bear the true economic burden of the tax? And what will be the result of exempting something from the tax?”

Tuesday’s presentation is free and open to the public. Attendees are asked to register here in advance. The program will be live-streamed here for those unable to attend in person.

For more information about the Northwood University Freedom Seminar, visit https://www.northwood.edu/freedom-seminar/.