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The Peter G. Peterson Foundation is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization focused on building a brighter economic future for all Americans. Browse our latest content and updates.

News

August 11, 2025

How Does the Aging of the Population Affect Our Fiscal Health?

As a large portion of the American population lives well beyond retirement age, the total cost of providing healthcare will grow as well.

August 11, 2025

Chart Pack: Healthcare

These charts illustrate the growth in U.S. healthcare spending and how it affects the federal budget.

August 6, 2025

Chart Pack: The U.S. Budget

A selection of key charts that give an overview of the major components in the U.S. federal budget.

August 5, 2025

Chart Pack: Social Programs

A selection of charts about crucial social programs (Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and SNAP), their financial outlook, and place within the federal budget.

August 5, 2025

News from the Quarterly Treasury Refunding Statement

The Treasury anticipates borrowing $1,597 billion over the next two quarters. This would be $215 billion more debt than it issued during the same period last year.

August 4, 2025

U.S. Fiscal Confidence Falls to 13-Month Low in Wake of Budget Bill That Will Add Trillions to National Debt

U.S. Fiscal Confidence fell to a 13-month low following the passage of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” which will add more than $4 trillion to the national debt over the next decade. The Peter G. Peterson Foundation’s Fiscal Confidence Index fell for the fifth-straight month from 62 in February to 45 in July (100…

July 22, 2025

How Is K-12 Education Funded?

Public schools for students in kindergarten through 12th grade are financed through a combination of local, state, and federal dollars in proportions that vary across and within states.

July 18, 2025

How Much Do We Spend on the Federal Workforce?

Here, we examine the federal government’s expenditure on its workforce, the evolution of its size over time, and the opportunities for budget savings.

July 14, 2025

What Are Interest Costs on the National Debt?

Interest costs are on track to become the largest category of spending in the federal budget.

July 7, 2025

Chart Pack: Fiscal Outlook

The national debt is already at its highest level since just after World War II, and annual deficits are on an upward trajectory.