April 12, Monday -- Economic historian Peter Lindert of UC Davis will take a look at the 200-year evolution of social spending in the world's richest democratic countries. Author of the new book "Growing Public: Social Spending and Economic Growth Since the 18th Century," Lindert can answer why the United States became the leader in public education, especially higher education, and which countries are doing best in paying for an aging population, the poor and health care. He also argues that large public social programs are not detrimental to the fiscal health of countries. His talk, sponsored by the Institute of Governmental Affairs and the UC Davis Bookstore, takes place 12:10 p.m. to 1 p.m. in the IGA Reading Room, 360 Shields Library, UC Davis. The talk is free and open to the public.