Growls

Liberals or progressives like to say that a ‘balanced’ approach is needed to resolve the nation’s deficit and debt problems, not to mention the current debt ceiling imbroglio. If only conservatives would just go along with demands that taxes be raised to balance demands for cuts in federal spending under a regime such as Cut, Cap and Balance. In addition, take the Cut, Cap and Balance Pledge.

If the out-of-control budget could be brought under control by raising taxes, then how do the “tax-and-spenders” explain that “federal spending is growing faster than federal revenue” or that "federal spending is outpacing inflation,” as depicted in the two charts below from the  Heritage Foundation’s 2011 Budget Chart Book?

First, federal spending vs. federal revenue. According to the depiction of the first chart below:

“Since 1965, spending has risen constantly. Federal revenues have dropped recently due to the economic recession, but spending has reached a record high.”

Federal Spending Is Growing Faster Than Federal Revenue

The second chart shows that federal spending is outpacing inflation. The depiction for the chart says:

“Prices of goods and services normally rise year to year, but federal spending has risen even faster. Although spending grew substantially after 9/11, less than half of the increase can be attributed to defense and homeland security spending.”

Federal Spending Is Outpacing Inflation

Take a few minutes to browse through the other charts from Heritage’s 2011 Budget Chart Book. You may find you understand the federal budget better than your Congressional representatives, and are able to better discuss the federal budget with your neighbors.