Federal Budget Look

With all the focus on the state budget repair bill, it’s easy to forget that the federal budget process is happening for the remainder of 2011 and 2012. I thought the following two links might be an entertaining way to educate yourself on the federal 2012 budget.


Here is a  NY Times article showing the President’s budget and the spending planned. What’s interesting to me is when you click “hide mandatory spending” and how little of the budget is left.

This non-partisan but progressive organization, Center for American Progress,  has put together a neat interactive tool.  Their challenge:  since the Republicans have stated they plan to cut $100 billion from the budget, the Center is challenging you to try and do the same.

Furthermore, they said they would do so without touching entitlements, defense spending, or veterans’ services. This portion of the budget, known as “non-security discretionary spending,” makes up less than 15 percent of the federal budget.

$100 billion from less than 15% of the budget.  Go take the challenge!

Done?  The House passed their version of the 2012 budget.  They could only manage $61 billion in spending cuts.  I haven't seen a full outline of the House budget yet.