Welfare reform, one of the hottest topics in America today, will be debated Friday, May 5, at the State Capitol in Sacramento during the conference "Welfare Reform: Facts, Myths and Consequences." Featured speakers include journalists David Frum of the American Spectator, Robert Scheer of the Los Angeles Times, Mark Rank of Washington University in St. Louis and Congressman Robert Matsui. Four panel discussions will address social, economic and political aspects of reform; alternatives for welfare reform; the experience of welfare reform; and consequences of reform. The panels comprise some of the country's most knowledgeable researchers and advocates, including Robert Plotnick of the University of Washington and Gary Burtless of the Brookings Institution. Administrators of state and local programs and a recipient also will make presentations. The conference is intended for legislators, legislative staff, advocates, social service professionals, recipients and members of the public. It is sponsored by three UC Davis units -- University Extension, the Department of Economics and the Institute of Governmental Affairs -- in conjunction with 14 California organizations and agencies concerned with social services. The event runs from 8:30 a.m. until 4:50 p.m.