As part of a lecture series by UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose (IIPP) and the British Library, Stephanie Kelton, former Chief Economist

As part of a lecture series by UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose (IIPP) and the British Library, Stephanie Kelton, former Chief Economist on the US Senate Budget Committee, explained why a government budget differs fundamentally from a household budget.

Kelton offered a beginner’s guide to public deficits, questioning whether a balanced budget is the correct goal. She proposed a new understanding of deficits, debt, taxes, and the public-private sector relationship. Her vision advocates for a participatory, mission-oriented public budget to restructure services, investment, and build a cleaner, safer, more secure future for all.

Stephanie Herrera, Executive Director of the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability (AASHE), brings over 20 years of leadership experience and a lifelong passion for sustainable

Stephanie Herrera, Executive Director of the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability (AASHE), brings over 20 years of leadership experience and a lifelong passion for sustainable development and social justice. Having grown up on a Superfund site in Denver's Globeville neighborhood, she deeply understands the struggles of impoverished communities, inspired by her grandparents' role in the site's cleanup.

This content was produced by Ruth Ann Barrett of EarthSayers.tv and Barry Heidt of GeoSpirit.tv at the AASHE Conference 2014 in Portland, Oregon, on October 28, 2014.