Gearing up for the budget battle

Ready or not, here it comes! Between now and July, major decisions will be made in Washington that will affect not only the federal deficit and budget but also the well-being of millions of children, elderly Americans and low income families.

Here are some items from the Friends Committee on National Legislation that might be useful:

First, here's a good introduction to the budget debate and related jargon;

Second, here is information about proposals put forward by a range of groups on how to cut $2 trillion from the national debt over the next 10 years by cutting Pentagon spending and raising revenues.

Third, here are some surprising voices who call for looking at cutting Pentagon spending.

While we're at it, here are some reasons why a spending cap, which is favored by WV Senator Joe Manchin, is a bad idea that would force major cuts in Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security over the next several years and here is a look at what that would mean for West Virginia and what some people here have to say about it.

GOAT ROPE ADVISORY LEVEL: ELEVATED