Tuesday, April 17, 2007

Federal Spending and Your Taxes

Thanks to Kevin for this:

Washington will spend $24,106 per household in 2007, the highest total since World War II, and an inflation-adjusted $4,000 more than in 2001. The federal government will collect $21,992 per household in taxes. The remaining $2,114 represents this year's budget deficit per household, which, along with all prior government debt, will be dumped in the laps of our children.

Social Security/Medicare: $8,301

Defense: $4,951

Anti-poverty programs: $3,550

Interest on the federal debt: $2,071

Federal employee retirement benefits: $907

Health research/regulation: $664

Veterans' benefits: $627

Education: $584

Highways/mass transit: $418

Justice administration: $392

Natural resources/environment: $305

International affairs: $304

Unemployment benefits: $299

Community and regional development: $282

The remaining $451 is allocated to all other federal programs, including farm subsidies, social services, space exploration, air transportation and energy

Every single expense is, without a doubt, absolutely necessary for the Common Good.

1 comment:

  1. Now this I enjoy more.

    Things that would get axed entirely:
    Anti-poverty programs, including the big one Medicaid.
    Education
    Highways/mass transit
    Natural resources/environment
    Unemployment
    Community and Regional Development

    Things that would be greatly reduced:
    Defense - We shouldn't have a large standing army in peace time. Leave the Marine Corp be. Mostly disband the Navy and make the Coast Guard our Navy, giving us the largest Navy in the world. Move the air force to the States.
    SSC/Medicare - The only reason I don't have it being axed is that we do have some present obligations. Means test both programs.

    It may not be a perfect solution, and most things would end up being provided for by the states, but it would be a good start.

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