Budget Archives

Op-Ed/Commentary

BudgetBudget and National DebtHealth and Social ProgramsHealthcareUnited States Medicaid Work Requirements: Fun with Numbers for the Wall Street Journal

The Wall Street Journal apparently believes this is a better way to reduce the federal budget deficit than making rich people pay the taxes they owe. That’s fine, but it should not try to hide its priorities from readers.

Dean Baker / April 26, 2023

Op-Ed/Commentary

BudgetHealth and Social ProgramsUnited States Washington Post Says Voters Want Cuts to Social Security and Medicare

The Post does not present any evidence that a substantial segment of the population would be happy with cuts to Social Security and Medicare, which polls consistently show enjoy strong support across the political spectrum.

Dean Baker / November 03, 2022

Op-Ed/Commentary

BudgetGovernmentHealth and Social ProgramsUnited States Contrary to What Ezra Klein and Mark Leibovich Tell You, Paul Ryan Was Very Much a Lightweight

Ryan was a lightweight who did not want his proposals to be taken seriously, and thankfully, most people other than centrist pundits did not.

Dean Baker / October 29, 2022

Op-Ed/Commentary

BudgetGovernmentUnited States Student Loan Forgiveness and Really Big Number Syndrome

It really would help if reporters covering budget issues saw it as their responsibility to convey information to their audiences rather than just engaging in fraternity rituals of writing down really big numbers that are meaningless to almost everyone.

Dean Baker / September 27, 2022