This is a video and flier my group and I made about the federal budget. Please watch and read. It’s very informative about just how messed up the US federal budget is. Our grade depends on the amount of watches/notes we get, so please watch, like, and reblog.
Ryan’s budget today, people’s budget tomorrow
“Let us wage a moral and political war against war itself, so that we can cut military spending and use that money for human needs.”
— Bernie Sanders, Senator of Vermont
In order to allow Americans to benefit from their taxes, the U.S. needs to cut down on military spending. In addition, more Americans need to be aware of what percentage of their tax money is being allocated to which programs or departments so that they can make informed decisions and vote for candidates who support their community.
The Problem:
The U.S. spends more than the top 10 countries combined in military spending, and more than double of China, the second top military spender.
However, non-defense spending makes up less than half of the U.S. discretionary budget. Trump’s proposal would cut more non-defense programs, which would negatively affect many Americans, including Trump supporters.
The Evidence of The Problem:
More than half of these 10 countries are U.S. allies, so why is it necessary to spend more money? Trump is proposing 54 billion dollar cuts in almost every section of the budget. The only programs seeing an increase in funding are Defense, Homeland Security, and Veterans Affairs. Some of the programs being cut or reduced include the EPA (-31.4%) and the Department of Education (-13.5%). Programs being cut completely include Building for Community Development and Affordable housing, Clean Power Plan, and The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
The Solution:
We need to cut 50% of military spending. We should reallocate this money to: the EPA (10%), Department of Education (15%), Department of Housing and Urban Development (10%), Health Care (10%), and NASA (5%). On paychecks, there should be a detailed lists of where our taxes are going so people know and can decide to promote change in the budget.
The Evidence of the Solution:
Article 26 of the UN Charter demands disarmament and reduced military expenses, but it is being completely ignored by the U.S. and other countries. Also, France prints a list of where taxes are going on their paychecks, and it allows people to know how their money is being spent so they can change it.
The Action:
In order to bring these plans into action, you can research and learn about where taxes are going so that you are more informed. Before you vote for a candidate, look into the programs they support to make sure they align with your interests. Also, you can email or call your congressmen and women who are on a committee in charge of reviewing the budget with your concerns or proposals. They can vote on the budget plan and help rewrite it.
Find more information about your representative here: http://www.house.gov/representatives/find/
