According to The U.S. National Debt Clock Website, the federal budget deficit is $1.4 trillion dollars, as of July 8, 2010. In dollar amounts, it is the largest federal deficit in history. There have been a lot of talk about the deficit in media and in congress. There have been a lot of stories of loom and doom. There have been fears of a future of no social security and other well liked government programs. This article will offer new ways for the American government to find success reducing the deficit.
The American government can have success saving money by pushing "some" selected programs and services to the private sector. If the county really wants certain things, then let the country say so by voluntarily paying for it. This article is advocating letting Americans donate to causes they care for. Let Americans make voluntary financial contributions to services and programs they care for.
The American government can have success saving money by pushing "some" selected programs and services to the private sector. Of course, some things government should take the lead in. Government should be responsible and never shortcut funds to defense, education, infrastructure, social security, health care, Medicaid, Medicare, clean air, clean water and natural disaster relief (like Hurricane Katrina and California wild fires). There may have even been some important programs that have been left out, however the before mentioned programs are definitely ones that should be under government control and government (taxpayer) financed.
The American government can have success saving money by pushing "some" selected programs and services to the private sector. For example, the United States spends $2 billion dollars on "Head Start," (as documented in the 2010 budget found on, The Administration of Children and Families, website) a program contained in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Head Start is a great program which has real benefits to the nation. Head Start is a program that should stay in the nation. However, it should be allowed to exist in the private sector with aide of government grants. It should be allowed to function much like the NAACP runs it's scholarship fund. Government could give 10 talented entrepreneurs $60 million a piece and have them run the program. The talented entrepreneurs can use the money to in part to finance the operation and in part to raise money on their own like the NAACP college scholarship fund. They could host events, hold contests, hold meetings, run television ads and raise money on their own. The work of Head Start could continue in the private sector with the aide of government business grants. If the private business isn't doing as good a job as the government likes, then the government stops giving them money. Giving 10 talented business people $60 million a piece would equal $600 million as opposed to spending $2 billion. That means government saves $1.4 billion.
The American government can have success saving money by pushing "some" selected programs and services to the private sector. For example, President Obama's 2011 budget proposal asks for a $6.8 billion allotment for federal prisons (as reported in a USA Today article written by Kevin Johnson, 2/3/2010). Federal Prisons are important. Treatment for inmates is a noble cause. Programs for inmates to successfully enter back into society is in America's national interest. However, prisons can successfully and humanely be run in the private sector. Government can give 25 entrepreneurs $75 million a piece. Government can legislate laws for the businesses to run (as far as humane treatment of prisoners). If the businesses don't comply to government standards then the government doesn't have to give them their grants. Part of the money given to the entrepreneurs could be used to run the prison and part of it could be used to raise additional funds. The businesses should allow the public to donate money to them. The businesses could run commercials, run contests, hold meetings and raise money on their own. One entrepreneur could come up with an idea to create a fancy ward in the prison and charge inmates to stay in the better ward. This fancy ward may have bigger, nicer beds, private shower etc. It could just be as simple as a cell to yourself for a fee. These things would allow the prison to make money on its own and allow taxpayers to pay less in taxes. It will allow the government to spend significantly less and help to lower the deficit. Paying 25 talented entrepreneurs $75 million a piece would equal $1.9 billion dollars (rounded) and would be $4.9 billion less than proposed by President Obama.
In conclusion, the American government can have success saving money by pushing "some" selected programs and services to the private sector. They can create businesses, create private sector jobs and benefit from private sector American innovation. They can give business grants. They can take away business grants and even shut down businesses that don't comply with federal laws.
