How to Really Cut Government Spending

If the U.S. Congress is serious about cutting government spending, it must eliminate duplication, overlap, and fragmentation in federal programs. That was the message U.S. Comptroller General Gene L. Dodaro had for Congress when he told lawmakers that as long as it keeps on spending more money than it collects, the federal government’s long-term fiscal outlook will remain â€Å"unsustainable.† The Extent of the Problem As Dorado told Congress, the long-term problem has not changed. Every year, the government spends more money on programs like Social Security, Medicare, and unemployment benefits than it takes in through taxes. According to the 2016 Financial Report of the U.S. Government, the federal deficit increased from $439 billion in fiscal year 2015 to $587 billion in fiscal 2016. Over the same period, a modest $18.0 billion increase in federal revenue was more than offset by a $166.5 billion increase in spending, mainly on Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, and interest on debt held by the public. The public debt alone rose as a share of gross domestic product (GDP), from 74%at the end of fiscal 2015 to 77% at the end of fiscal 2016. By comparison, the public debt has averaged only 44% of the GDP since 1946. The 2016 Financial Report, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), and the Government Accountability Office (GAO) all agree that unless policy changes are made, the debt-to-GDP ratio will surpass its historical high of 106% within 15 to 25 years. Some Near-Term Solutions While long-term problems require long-term solutions, there are some near-term things Congress and the executive branch agencies can do to improve the governments fiscal condition without eliminating or severely cutting major social benefits programs. For starters, suggested Dodaro, addressing improper and fraudulent benefits payments and the tax gap, as well as dealing with duplication, overlap, and fragmentation in those programs. On May 3, 2017, the GAO released its seventh annual report on fragmentation, overlap, and duplication among federal programs. In its ongoing investigations, the GAO looks for aspects of programs that could save taxpayer money by eliminating: Duplication: circumstances in which more than one federal agency, or more than one organization within an agency, is involved in the same broad area of national need and opportunities for more efficient service delivery exist;Overlap: when multiple agencies or programs have similar or identical goals, engage in similar activities or strategies to achieve them, or target similar beneficiaries; andFragmentation: circumstances in which more than one federal agency is involved in the same broad area of national need. As a result of the agencies’ efforts to fix the cases of duplication, overlap, and fragmentation identified in the GAO’s first six such reports issued from 2011 to 2016, the federal government has already saved an estimated $136 billion, according to Comptroller General Dodaro. In its 2017 report, the GAO identified 79 new cases of duplication, overlap, and fragmentation in 29 new areas across the government such as health, defense, homeland security, and foreign affairs.   By continuing to address, duplication, overlap, and fragmentation, and without entirely eliminating a single program, the GAO estimates the federal government could save â€Å"tens of billions.† Examples of Duplication, Overlap, and Fragmentation A few of the 79 new cases of wasteful program administration identified by the GAO its latest report on duplication, overlap, and fragmentation included: Sexual Violence Data: The Departments of Defense, Education, Health and Human Services (HHS), and Justice (DOJ) currently manage at least 10 different programs indented to collect data on sexual violence. The duplication and fragmentation results on wasted effort and a lack of understanding of the scope of the problem in the United States.Federal Grants Awards: The National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Food and Nutrition Service, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lack processes to ensure that their grants do not fund duplicate or overlapping programs already being funded by other agencies.Foreign-Assistance Data Quality: As a key step to addressing the potential overlap in the collection and reporting of foreign-assistance information, the Department of State, in consultation with the U.S. Agency for International Development and OMB, needs to improve data quality to ensure consistency in publically available information on how foreign aid is distributed and used.Military Commissaries: By better managing and coordinating purchasing for it commissaries across all military branches, the Department ofDefense could save an estimated $2 billion.Storage of Defense and Commercial Nuclear Waste: By better coordinating the agencies collecting data and analyzing options for the permanent storage of military high-level nuclear waste and commercial spent nuclear fuel, the Department of Energy could potentially save tens of billions of dollars. Between 2011 and 2016, the GAO recommended 645 actions in 249 areas for Congress or executive branch agencies to reduce, eliminate, or better manage fragmentation, overlap, or duplication; or increase revenue. By the end of 2016, Congress and executive branch agencies had addressed 329 (51%) of those actions resulting in about $136 billion in savings. According to Comptroller General Dodaro, by fully implementing the recommendations made in the GAO’s 2017 report, the government could save â€Å"tens of billions more dollars.†

Essay on Undisclosed Desires for Nellie Washington

It wasnt too hot or too cold, it was the perfect weather. I lifted my hands over my head and took a deep breath. The grass was slightly moist from the rain last night. I stepped out into the bright sunlight, urging my muscles to wake up. Fall was literally around the corner and I was trying to enjoy the last few days of summer before the leaves started turning brown and everyone brought out the pumpkins and turkeys. I glanced at my watch and read the time. I had thirty minutes before school and I hadnt done anything to get ready. I hadnt even brushed my teeth yet or made my bed. I woke up, rubbed my eyes and came out onto the front porch. I had a valid excuse for waking up and going outside though, I wanted to catch her†¦show more content†¦Car troubles? Id say just to break the ice. Nellie would look at me and smile. Youre an angel, Ian! She would say in delight or something like that. And in my fantasy, shed have on a skirt that showed off her killer legs. No, I was not some pervert. I just thought Nellie Washington would look sexy in a skirt. Since I had never seen her in one, I couldnt really picture her as well as I wanted to. But this was not fantasy, it was reality and in reality Nellie was wearing grey skinny jeans and a grey t-shirt with some weird blue police box on it. It was the kind of shirt you saw on comic book nerds. As this is reality, and Nellie is a very responsible girl for her age, her car came to life and I was instantly disappointed. She pulled out of her garage and onto the empty street after she look both ways five times. I watched as she zoomed off down the road and headed over to the mailbox. There was nothing inside for me. Most of it was for my dad, a couple were for my mom and there was one for Matt, my younger twin brother. I hoped he hadnt gotten the last bit of Nutella. Matt was sitting at the kitchen table shoveling spoonfuls of cereal, muffins and cups of orange juice in his mouth when I walked in. Damn. He muttered as a bit of orange juice fell on him. Good thing youreShow MoreRelatedStephen P. Robbins Timothy A. Judge (2011) Organizational Behaviour 15th Edition New Jersey: Prentice Hall393164 Words   |  1573 PagesMichigan State University Philip Roth, Clemson University Dale Rude, University of Houston Holly Schroth, University of California at Berkeley Jody Tolan, University of Southern California Debra Schneck, Indiana University Marilyn Wesner, George Washington University Over the last editions this text has grown stronger with the contribution and feedback of the following instructors: David Abramis, California State University Chris Adalikwu, Concordia College Basil Adams, Notre Dame de Namur University

Why I need a degree in Christian ministry Free Essays

I am a devoted Christian with a calling to serve human kind so as to convert as many people as possible to Christianity.   For me, nothing makes more sense that preaching the word of God.   Although I believe that Christianity is a matter of spirituality and the Holy Spirit is largely responsible for teaching Christians and especially preachers and ministers the word, I appreciate the role of studying the Christian ministry. We will write a custom essay sample on Why I need a degree in Christian ministry or any similar topic only for you Order Now With an increasingly elitist society, more people turning lukewarm to the word of God, with an increasingly rebellious youth and society, it is the high time that Christian ministers changed their approach in preaching and teaching the word of God so as to address the emerging situation. Preaching the word of God today is different from what it used to be in the past three decades or so. The preaching of the word of God requires a combination of spiritual knowledge and formal knowledge acquired through studies. A lot of contemporary issues affecting today’s churches such as high rate of divorce and infidelity even amongst Christians is a cause for worry.   Even amongst the top leadership of churches, Christian leaders are often differing in the open on some issue affecting the society something which is threatening to tear apart the church. There is a need for church leaders to be equipped with leadership skills; these are only attainable through further studies. An issue such as the accommodation of homosexuals in the church is an example of an emerging challenge for the church leadership.   To handle the fresh challenges, a quality education and training in the word of God is very important.   Leading the church today needs managerial qualities as much as the spiritual issues. Studying a degree in Christian ministry combines teachings of the bible with other contemporary issues such as leadership.   A degree in Christian ministry is ideal for a church minister in that, a sense of management skills as well as leadership skills has become a necessity in the management of modern institutions. For me a chance to pursue a degree in Christian ministry will grant me the opportunity to gain the management and leadership skills.   These management skills gained in education helps a lot in the management of churches; some of which are big enough and have congregations of tens of thousands with a network stretching many countries. I am already a Christian and I really need the training given the fact that I am planting a church in Haiti, a foreign country, with different culture from mine and under a totally different environment.   I need a combination of skills so as to be able to lead the new church into prosperity.    In preaching, it has become very important for the preachers to balance the sermons in order to meet the diverse needs of the congregation.   For instance, there could be some members of the congregation who are faced with parenting problems, others who are faced with financial challenges and others could be faced with marriage problems. The congregations look up to the ministers for hope, inspiration and for assurance.   To meet the needs such as those mentioned above, preachers must be competent in such matters.   This requires training and for me; the need for a degree in Christian ministry. Additionally, it has become very important for preachers to change the approach in missions.   For example, taking the example of nations where Christianity has not yet reached everybody or is faced with stiff opposition, there is a need for preachers to use the professional approach.   For instance, there are countries whereby a Christian teacher can not be allowed to preach. If one is trained and they have a degree, such a preacher can go into that country not necessarily as a preacher but an employee of non-profit making organizations. Once already in the areas where preaching is forbidden, it is very easy to preach in a work station.   Therefore a degree in the Christian ministry allows an individual to fit in many situations where the services of a minister are needed. A lot of scholarly materials have been discovered in the course of time which has served to fortify the belief and faith of Christians.   The best place to learn about historical discoveries on Christian issues is in the university. A degree in Christian ministry gives the student good background knowledge on topics surrounding the church, which become very useful in the conversion process whereby converts may question some teachings.   For preachers who have been through the university, they are better placed to solve such issues. Conclusion I am a devoted Christian, a Sunday school teacher and a traveling missionary with an aim of reaching the unreached and delivering the good news to those who have not has the wonderful opportunity. I really would love to pursue a degree in Christian ministry if I am granted the opportunity. References Barkley, Nella, and Sandburg, E. (1995).   Taking Charge of Your Career.   New York:   Workman How to cite Why I need a degree in Christian ministry, Papers

Memoir Taylors Darkness Essay Example For Students

Memoir Taylors Darkness Essay Cigarette smoke has always been a comforting smell to me. My grandfather smoked for 50 out of the 75 years of his life, and he was what I associated that smell with; which was safety, love, and comfort. But, as this disgusting specimen blew his cheap menthol smoke into my direction I wasnt comforted. I was forced to stand by the door, and watch Taylor move all of her stuff into boxes, while this idiot rambled on about the stupid landlord, and everyone else being the problem. I had been to this place many times. It was our crash spot after parties so our parents wouldnt find out we had been drinking. In the morning, when they had left for work, we would all go back to our normal suburban life, and sleep until the next party. All of us, except Taylor. She lived in that crash spot. No parenting, no rules, no curfew; we all told her she had the perfect situation. Little did we know, it was all vacant. Freedom always comes with a price, and no one understood that better than her. But now, that crash spot was being taken away, her whole life ripped out from under her because of a stupid financial mistake. And her home on Anderson Street was moving all the way to Fort Worth, then later Michigan. However, she wasnt invited to the final crash spot with her former family in Michigan, and all of a sudden, I gained a new roommate, a sister, and a best friend. It was really hard trying to understand why Taylor was the way she was. We were polar opposites. Me, the average middle class white kid that lived with overbearing parents and a spoiled rotten younger sibling; and Taylor, the tossed around lower class black girl with a rotten attitude and a tendency to show up to class stoned. I dont know how we managed to come together, but something connected us in a way no one will ever understand. We formed a group, her and I. We were full of rebellious teenagers trying to fill a void with drugs and alcohol. What that void was from, I still dont know. But we bonded, nonetheless. And who I thought I was would change the day she moved in with me. I was excited; I had always wanted a sister. My brother never wanted to talk to me, and I never got to have that kind of a bond with anyone. Sure, it was a little cramped sharing an eight foot by ten foot room with someone, but I wanted to make it work. And hell, she was my best friend right? It would be like a slumber party every night of the week, we would be able to do homework together, nothing would slow us down. We had all the same friends, it would be fun right? Weve never fought before, so what could go wrong? Slowly, but surely, our differences decided to catch up with us. Our daily routines, the way we do laundry, what time we go to bed and what time we wake up, all decided to rub together and cause a big irritation that spread around the house. I’m a sensitive soul, everything I do I try to do to make people happy. Taylor, on the other hand, could not care less about what anyone thought or thinks about her. She does things to make herself and the people she cares about happy, and anyone that tries to get in her way, she takes down as quickly as they tried to stand up. One thing that tended to make Taylor happy, or at least dilute her feelings temporarily was alcohol. She had a strong aching for it all throughout high school, and quite a few times, brought me down that road with her, and put us both in a good amount of danger. .ucdb3e2540d54bf2e3edb7f8bf1942dd1 , .ucdb3e2540d54bf2e3edb7f8bf1942dd1 .postImageUrl , .ucdb3e2540d54bf2e3edb7f8bf1942dd1 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .ucdb3e2540d54bf2e3edb7f8bf1942dd1 , .ucdb3e2540d54bf2e3edb7f8bf1942dd1:hover , .ucdb3e2540d54bf2e3edb7f8bf1942dd1:visited , .ucdb3e2540d54bf2e3edb7f8bf1942dd1:active { border:0!important; } .ucdb3e2540d54bf2e3edb7f8bf1942dd1 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .ucdb3e2540d54bf2e3edb7f8bf1942dd1 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .ucdb3e2540d54bf2e3edb7f8bf1942dd1:active , .ucdb3e2540d54bf2e3edb7f8bf1942dd1:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .ucdb3e2540d54bf2e3edb7f8bf1942dd1 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .ucdb3e2540d54bf2e3edb7f8bf1942dd1 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .ucdb3e2540d54bf2e3edb7f8bf1942dd1 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .ucdb3e2540d54bf2e3edb7f8bf1942dd1 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .ucdb3e2540d54bf2e3edb7f8bf1942dd1:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .ucdb3e2540d54bf2e3edb7f8bf1942dd1 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .ucdb3e2540d54bf2e3edb7f8bf1942dd1 .ucdb3e2540d54bf2e3edb7f8bf1942dd1-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .ucdb3e2540d54bf2e3edb7f8bf1942dd1:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Meliville Sophocles Discussion EssayI liked to drink, because it drowned out the pressure I felt every day from my mother as she was vicariously living through me. Medical school, scholarships, perfection, were all topics I had to be lectured about daily so I wouldnt turn out like her; the school teacher married to a redneck with a drinking problem in the same boring job he would have for the rest of his life. That was her opinion she portrayed about herself unfortunately. I thought that we had it pretty good. We loved each other, we took care of each other, and we didnt have to worry much about whether we were going to make it or not. But that never seemed to be enough. A lot of pressure has been dumped on me. Everyone seems to think that they need something better than they already have. They dont appreciate what they have while they have it. Taylor needed to drink. She needed to escape from herself, and I was beginning to see that. She had a dark past, but a really bright future she was creating aside from the incessant drinking and smoking she was doing. As soon as I realized what was really happening, and what we were doing to our chances at a better future, I tried to be the influence that would bring her to see that she is so much better than her past, and she didnt need those things to be a successful person. For a while, and the year and a half that she was living with us, it worked. We went to school, the occasional party, but mostly we did what we needed to do to get ourselves through school, and be successful. In the end, Taylor’s darkness dominated the positive influence I had put upon her. My functional yet dysfunctional family life was too â€Å"boring† for her, and this summer she distanced herself from us, and left the life we had tried to give her for something that she thought better suited her. Sometimes I blame myself for not telling her how much we truly loved her, and how much she meant to us. But truly, the miscommunication was in our personalities, and in our souls. We are two different people, with two different goals for ourselves.