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STUDENTS AT HARVARD’S INSTITUTE OF POLITICS PRODUCE
2011 ANNUAL REPORT OF THE USA

Cambridge, MA – Student writers, editors and designers for the Harvard Political Review – a top undergraduate journal on politics and public policy supported by Harvard’s Institute of Politics – have released the 2011 Annual Report of the USA (ARUSA), a research tool offering an examination of the federal budget, challenges facing American spending policy and potential fiscal solutions and legislative reforms.  

Published online www.annualreportusa.com in partnership with the American Education Foundation (AEF), the report provides straightforward and nonpartisan analysis of major spending areas and the tough decisions facing policymakers.  First created in 1995 by Harvard undergraduate Meredith Bagby, ARUSA’s 2011 edition presents special reports on fiscal issues of eminent importance to the nation today; a look at the U.S. credit rating and this year’s budget process; and a detailed review of federal spending and how Congress can approach fiscal sustainability.

A summary of the report’s key findings:

• The federal government’s outstanding debt, at $14.294 trillion, is equal to the GDP of the next three largest economies -- combined.  The government owes $46,389 for every man, woman and child in America. Meanwhile, the median U.S. household earned just $50,221 in 2010.

• The $159 billion that the United States is spending in Iraq and Afghanistan represents less than a fifth of total defense spending, which is $861 billion this year.

• Combined healthcare programs represent over one-fourth of all government spending. In 1966, healthcare was less than 5% of the budget.

• Federal education money varies widely across states. Federal funds could range from $594 per student (in Utah) to $1,144 per student (in New York).

• Every state (except Wyoming) will receive less Temporary Assistance for Needy Families funding in 2011 than in 2010. A handful of states will lose 20% or more of their welfare block grants.

“The ARUSA project is particularly useful this year as Americans try to make sense of the unfortunate political bickering that threatened to shut down the government,” said Noah Rayman ’12, ARUSA student Co-Chair.  “The articles provide a clear and nonpartisan understanding of the budget issues our lawmakers face today as they attempt to overcome political differences and rein in a ballooning government debt that may soon be level with GDP.”

“Our country is awash in deep fiscal problems – the culmination of decades of overspending. From pervading federal deficits and debt to volatile financial markets, to a shaky social safety-net, America needs great leadership to steward us,” said Meredith Bagby, American Education Foundation Executive Director and Harvard Institute of Politics Spring 2004 Resident Fellow.  “An understanding of our challenges is the first step-- which is why the Annual Report comes at such a crucial time. These students at Harvard have done an excellent job at providing us a snapshot of where America stands fiscally and economically– and are a hopeful herald for change.”

ARUSA partners will continue to promote the reports as an educational resource for a variety of constituencies including government officials and policymakers, the media, and America’s citizens. 

Download the Press Release

Harvard University’s Institute of Politics (IOP), located at the John F. Kennedy School of Government, was established in 1966 as a memorial to President Kennedy.  The IOP’s mission is to unite and engage students, particularly undergraduates, with academics, politicians, activists, and policymakers on a non-partisan basis to inspire them to consider careers in politics and public service.  The Institute strives to promote greater understanding and cooperation between the academic world and the world of politics and public affairs.  More information is available online at www.iop.harvard.edu.

The American Education Foundation (AEF) is an educational nonprofit dedicated to inspiring students of all ages to become active citizens in the public forum. The foundation is dedicated to producing fair and accurate political information in a non-partisan manner and to helping students acquire the communications skills necessary to navigate the world of public policy. The AEF publishes the Annual Report of the USA. More information is available online at www.americafound.org.