Textbook: Understanding Politics: Ideas, Institutions, and Issues by Thomas M. Magstadt Review Chapters 2, 3 (pgs 56-59), 13 Ebook login: Additional scholarly sources you identify through your own research Initial Post Instructions You are an advisor to the President tasked with cutting at least $300 billion from the budget. The president wants your recommendations to cut lines, not large categories. Explain why you chose those cuts. Note: These are not true US budget numbers. DOMESTIC PROGRAMS AND FOREIGN AID Cut some foreign aid to African countries $17 billion Eliminate farm subsidies $14 billion Cut pay of civilian federal workers by 5 percent $14 billion Reduce the overall federal workforce by 10% $12 billion Cut aid to states by 5% $29 billion MILITARY Cut the number of nuclear warheads, and end the “Star Wars” missile defense program $19 billion Reduce military to pre-Iraq War size and further reduce troops in Asia and Europe $25 billion Cancel or delay some weapons programs $19 billion HEALTHCARE Enact medical malpractice reform by reducing the chances of large malpractice verdicts $ 8 billion Increase the Medicare eligibility age to 68 $ 8 billion Raise the Social Security retirement age to 68. $ 13 billion EXISTING TAXES Return the estate tax to Clinton-era levels, passing on an estate worth more than $1 million to their heirs would have portions of those estates taxed. $ 50 billion End tax cuts for income above $250,000 a year $ 54 billion End tax cuts for income below $250,000 a year $ 172 billion Payroll tax increase for people making over $106,000 annually contributing more to Social Security and Medicare. $ 50 billion NEW TAXES Institute a Millionaire’s tax on income above $1 million $ 50 billion Add a national 5% sales tax $ 41 billion Add a tax on carbon emissions $ 40 billion Tax banks based on their sizes and the amount of risk they take. $ 73 billion Total gap covered by your budget plan $_________________ Use evidence (cite sources) to support your response from assigned readings or online lessons, and at least one outside scholarly source
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