The ranking members on the Joint Economic Committee will host a bicameral forum next week to examine the state of the economy and determine the best course for lowering unemployment and promoting job growth.

Sen. Sam Brownback (R-Kan.) and Rep. Kevin Brady (R-Texas) are putting together the event, which will feature a small group of former policymakers and economists, several of whom used work in President Ronald Reagan’s administration.

“We are holding a conference with very talented minds on fiscal policy [to hear] their ideas on how we jump-start this economy,” Brady said.

The Brownback-Brady forum comes as the Senate continues to work on a jobs bill.

Brady said he and Brownback do not believe any of the Senate’s current proposals would do enough to lower the nation’s unemployment rate and hope their forum can help generate ideas for future legislation.

Those expected to attend the Feb. 23 forum include: former House Majority Leader Dick Armey (R-Texas); Nobel Memorial Prize-winning economist Edward Prescott; former Reagan Budget Director James C. Miller III; Steve Entin, president and executive for the Institute for Research on the Economics of Taxation; and economist Allan Meltzer.