Liberal myth

The era of big government is over

The facts

• In 2003, federal spending topped $20,000 per household (inflation adjusted) for the first time since World War II
• Spending growth is accelerating (See chart) even in non-defense areas (See chart)

Total spending

Total federal spending has increased almost continuously since 1960, whether Democrats or Republicans are in power. (See chart)

• Federal spending is up almost 400 percent since 1960
• Federal spending has doubled since 1977

Discretionary spending

Non-defense discretionary spending, which includes entitlement programs like Medicare, has seen increases during both Republican and Democratic administrations. (See chart)

• The largest and the most consistent increases in non-defense discretionary spending occurred between 1975 and 1978
• The largest and the most consistent decreases occurred from 1981 to 1987
• Spending has increased during every year of the current administration

Related Heritage research

• Brian Riedl, Ten Common Myths About Taxes, Spending, and Budget Deficits, June 13, 2003