Includes bibliographical references and index. New Book -- December -- 2014
Contents:
Federal deficits and debt -- Budget pies: an overview of federal spending and revenue -- Do entitlements entitle? is what's mandated mandatory? -- How discretionary is discretionary spending? -- Raising federal tax revenue -- Predicting future deficits and debt -- Deficit hawks versus deficit doves -- "Starve the beast" versus protect the New Deal -- The partisan war over America's fiscal future: 2009-2013 -- The future of deficits and debt.
Summary:
"In order to introduce the reader to the basic composition of federal spending and to the ways that the government raises revenue, Hudson begins his guide with a "map" clarifying how to navigate the federal budget. He defines basic financial vocabulary and outlines concepts by using clear charts and diagrams that both provide basis for discussion and illustrate key points. With this budget map in mind, the second part of the book lays out how the partisan divide in America helps explain the fiscal crisis. Hudson analyzes the debate on the extent of the fiscal crisis, the ways that political parties have tried to solve it, and the political events and institutions that have surrounded the crisis. This citizen's guide reveals how differing views of America inform the arguments over deficits and debt. By the time readers finish the book, they will understand that the conflict over deficits and debt is not simply about where to cut or add spending, but instead is a struggle over national priorities and visions for the future." -- Publisher's website.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.