The Federal Discretionary Budget: link to this page: 2009 http://www.wallstats.com/deathandtaxes/resource/ This page and image are to be used for educational and non-commerical use only. What is it? "Death and Taxes:2009" is a representational poster of the federal discretionary budget; the amount of money that is spent at the discretion of your elected representatives in Congress. Basically, your federal income taxes. The data is from the President's budget request for 2009. It will be debated, amended, and approved by Congress by October 1st to begin the fiscal year. The poster provides a uniquely revealing look at our national priorities, that fluctuate yearly, according to the wishes of the President, the power of Congress, and the will of the people. What is it really? The federal budget is a complex and confusing mass of information. The government and the media shine the spotlight on various programs when it suits their needs and keeps the rest of the information in darkness. This poster is the most open and accessible record or yearly federal spending ever created. It is a glimpse into the not-to-distant future and a great opportunity to compare and contrast actual federal spending without or political bias, rhetoric, or deception. Knowledge of how your government spends your taxes is essential to being a responsible citizen. October Questions: 1. Which country is the second largest recipient of Foreign Military Financing? 2. In the Food and Drug Administration, which receives more funding, food or drugs? 3. The Federal Bureau of Investigation devotes more money to activities related to Counterterrorism or all other Federal Crimes? 4. The only renewable energy program that did not receive cuts backs is what? And why? Further Research: 5. At over $5 billion, just what is "Defense Environmental Cleanup"?