The Deficit Debate: Once More with Kids in Mind

On the face of it, it may not seem like the most interesting dinner conversation but across the country, a lot of people are talking about the federal deficit these days. It's a subject with real-life implications for families and the future.

In a recent Associated Press-GfK poll, “almost 60 percent of likely voters now say cutting the yearly budget shortfall is the priority, even if that means the government can't spend on new education programs, develop alternative energy sources or enact his health care overhaul or alternative energy policies,” according to an October 24 AP article.

Here at SparkAction we’re paying attention to the debate over how we pay down the federal deficit, and when.

First on timing. If we jump the gun, raise taxes on the majority of families and cut back on public spending while the recovery is slow and uncertain, we risk another vicious cycle of slow economic growth and continued high unemployment. Most economists say it’s best to get our economy - and workers - back on their feet before risking another downturn by withdrawing public spending too soon.

But ultimately the deficit must be addressed. Some say the way to do this is to cut taxes and cut spending. This one-step forward, one-step back approach protects wealth for high-income families but risks child care subsidies, help with health care, and college aid for families with children. It also threatens investments in a greener economy and repairing the nation’s infrastructure – from gas pipes laid down 50 years ago to bridges and schools.

Demos, along with the Economic Policy Institute and The Century Foundation, has just launched "Our Fiscal Security," a joint project dedicated to promoting the idea that the best way to reduce the deficit is to get Americans back to work. Organizations can join this effort by signing onto the principles.

That’s how we grew as a nation after the Great Depression and after the deep recessions of the 80’s and early 90’s. We can do it again.
 
You’ll find good research-based messaging help from Doug Gould (tell stories about solutions) and Drew Westen (start with common values) for children’s advocates in the Sparkaction communications section.