I consider myself to be a fiscal conservative. I do not believe huge budgets are good for the long-term utility of the people (generally, although it is always on a case-by-case basis depending on perceived costs vs. benefits). But there are certain things that I realize easily outweigh the costs.
One of these is data. Unfortunately, in the little game DC is currently playing, Federally produced data on a variety of economic factors has been questioned. The savings would not even be noteworthy, but politicians like to have these little badges so they can say, "look I cut something". Cutting data such as the Consolidated Federal Funds report (which was already cut) makes it harder to see where the money is going and what is happening!
But I guess irresponsible politicians would love to decrease transparency.
One of these is data. Unfortunately, in the little game DC is currently playing, Federally produced data on a variety of economic factors has been questioned. The savings would not even be noteworthy, but politicians like to have these little badges so they can say, "look I cut something". Cutting data such as the Consolidated Federal Funds report (which was already cut) makes it harder to see where the money is going and what is happening!
But I guess irresponsible politicians would love to decrease transparency.
