Statement from Foundation Chairman, Pete Peterson, on the President’s Remarks
“It’s encouraging to hear that the President and Congressional leaders will be meeting next week to discuss the urgent fiscal issues facing the country. Since the election, we’ve heard positive signs that our leaders in Washington are moving toward compromise.
The fiscal cliff represents an important moment of opportunity — the wide consensus against the cliff can be the foundation for agreement on a bipartisan long-term fiscal plan. With the elections over, it’s time to get down to work on a comprehensive plan that protects the economy in the short term and stabilizes debt over the long term.”
Further Reading
Three Reasons Why Assuming Sustained 3% Growth is a Budget Gimmick
Lawmakers are reportedly counting on 3 percent economic growth for the next decade. Here are three key reasons why that is an irresponsible budget gimmick.
What Is the Primary Deficit?
The primary deficit is the difference between government revenues and spending, excluding interest payments. Learn more about the U.S. primary deficit.
What Are Automatic Stabilizers and How Do They Affect the Federal Budget?
To better respond to business cycle fluctuations, many important programs in the federal budget automatically adjust spending based on economic conditions.