Setting national priorities : budget choices for the next century /

As with previous editions of Setting National Priorities, this collection of studies continues an attempt by Brookings to provide a balanced analysis of the major US budget choices. It contains a wealth of institutional information and cogent discussions of policy options for expenditure programs, from the safety net to international security and the impending retirement of the baby boomers. Charles Schultz argues that given the current level of economic performance there is no growth panacea for the difficult choices the US faces. Moreover, Henry Aaron and William Gale conclude that the practical difficulties of tax reform appear insurmountable without substantial reductions in federal outlays. In attempts to find cuts in the safety net and discretionary spending, contributors observe that political pressure is such that weak claimants rather than weak claims are most likely to be sacrificed. Throughout, policy makers are advised to concentrate on what is most important and urged to deal, now, with long-term problems that promise catastrophic consequences if left unconfronted. For those looking for arguments against tax reform, this is the place to turn. The Setting National Priorities volumes continue to serve as an invaluable resource on the US budget for a wide range of readers. Recommended for all libraries. R. Kelly Fairfield University