Reallocating the Federal Budget for a Better America

Rethinking Our National Spending Priorities

Let's examine the other side of the spectrum. While all of this money is being put into these organizations, where is the money to help the poor on the street, provide rehabilitation for mental illnesses, support poor communities, and improve education? Information provided by NationalPriorities.org states that total federal spending is $3.8 trillion. The funds mostly go towards the military, health, and social security.

Education is a privilege that provides for the future of a thriving nation. It is one of the most important institutions of this nation, yet it is hard for citizens to obtain, and even when obtained, it is hard to maintain.

Investing in Education and Rehabilitation

If we were to cut funding for unnecessary projects and put that money into education, college tuitions could be lowered substantially, children in K-12 schools would have better learning environments, and public school teachers would earn larger salaries. If we cut the costs of funding that went to prisons and put them towards rehabilitation instead—which could prevent people from going to prison in the first place—the prison population would be lowered, and there would be more civilized people.

I stated earlier that 46.4% of the federal prison population is incarcerated for drug crimes. Picture rehabilitation and programs for drug abusers; if more of this were possible, that 46.4% would be significantly lowered.

Addressing the Environmental Crisis

Also, the planet is undergoing a huge environmental crisis. Global warming is surely not a myth, and the CO2 in our atmosphere is slowly killing our planet. The Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation confirms this information. This is a threat that could eventually destroy all human life on Earth. This is a very serious issue, yet as part of the nation's federal budget, science and environmental programs are funded at only 0% to 1.17%.

What We Can Do: A Call for Change

As a nation, we have freedom of speech—let's use it. We should protest for better management of our tax dollars. We worked for our money, and if we are going to be taxed, it should be going towards something that is beneficial for all Americans. If not that, then we as Americans should have the freedom of choice of where our tax dollars should go.

I'd choose mine to go towards:

• Science
• Healthcare
• Education
• More research for senior citizens' well-being

What would you choose?

Join the Discussion for a Better Future

Before I leave you today, I hope you have an open mind about how this country can get better and how your own tax dollars should be spent. Encourage your friends and families to take part in this discussion. With your voices, you may be able to change this country for the better.

Thank you.