The U.S. Budget: Myths and Realities

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Background Paper

Produced by Bread for the World Institute

No. 214

April-May 2011

Perhaps the most pervasive “myth” of all surrounding the U.S. budget is that the issues and unfamiliar terms swirling around the budget make it nearly impossible to understand. And there’s all that political posturing — how can we possibly cut through the rhetoric and decide who’s right about which budget decisions?

But keeping in mind a few realities enables us, as advocates for hungry and poor people, to explain our budget priorities to decision makers and to respond when we hear common myths. As Congress votes on annual funding levels, and the U.S. debt ceiling, each of us can be a stronger voice against hunger and poverty.

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