Moreover, worries are growing about the consequences of the government's current and recent spending sprees over the medium to long term. Although not as large as the 5.4 percent increase recorded in the initial general account budget for FY 1999, the proposed 3.8 percent hike for FY 2000 is viewed as a strong statement of government support for a stimulative fiscal policy. The smaller rise in the total budget, coupled with the strong growth of nondiscretionary spending, underlies the difference between discretionary outlays in the two fiscal years.
Money is included to provide additional personal computers and Internet access for schools.
That should help the many municipalities teetering on the edge of insolvency. 14,016.3 8.8 Other Transfers to Local Governments 639.9 n.a. The FY 2000 budget compilation process produced some obvious losers. Agricultural programs will suffer a 16.7 percent cut under the initial spending plan, while energy projects face a 2.8 percent drop. Pension costs are expected to fall 3.6 percent as the population of World War II veterans and their families continues to decline.