A conservative watchdog group has uncovered a staggering 749% increase in Department of Education spending, despite staff reductions, raising concerns about fiscal responsibility in government.
At a Glance
- OpenTheBooks reports Department of Education spending up 749% since 2000
- Staff levels have decreased during the same period
- Student achievement hasn’t recovered post-pandemic despite increased spending
- At least 75 federal agencies identified as “defunct or obsolete”
- Initiative aims to enhance transparency in government spending
Watchdog Group Uncovers Alarming Spending Trends
OpenTheBooks, a conservative fiscal watchdog group, has released a report revealing a shocking 749% increase in Department of Education spending since 2000. This surge in expenditure comes despite a decrease in staff levels over the same period, raising serious questions about the efficiency and accountability of government spending.
The group’s findings are part of a broader initiative to benchmark agency spending and growth, providing a clearer picture of how taxpayer money is being utilized. Their research indicates that federal agency spending has consistently outpaced the rate of agency growth over time, suggesting potential inefficiencies in resource allocation.
And this is despite President Biden and successive Democratic presidents before him pretending that the agency was experiencing cuts.
Education Spending Skyrockets Amid Staffing Cuts
The Department of Education’s spending surge is particularly alarming given the context of staffing reductions. While the department has seen a sevenfold increase in spending, staff numbers have remained static or decreased. This discrepancy raises concerns about the effectiveness of increased funding in improving educational outcomes.
Adding to these concerns, student achievement has not recovered since the COVID-19 pandemic, despite the substantial increase in spending. This lack of improvement in educational outcomes, coupled with the massive budget increase, calls into question the effectiveness of current educational policies and spending practices.
The Department of Education is not alone in this trend of disproportionate spending increases. OpenTheBooks’ research has uncovered similar patterns across various federal agencies. For instance, the National Institutes of Health experienced a 21.5% increase in staff but a 301% increase in spending.
Even more striking examples include FEMA, where staffing grew by 290% while spending increased by an astounding 2,096%, and USAID, which saw a 218% staff increase alongside a 468% spending surge. These figures underscore a broader pattern of federal spending outpacing both inflation and staff growth.
Calls for Fiscal Accountability and Transparency
In response to these findings, OpenTheBooks has created a comprehensive database to provide the public with a clearer picture of government spending.
So you can see it with your own eyes.
This initiative aims to enhance transparency and accountability within government operations, allowing taxpayers to better understand how their money is being used.
The watchdog group’s research has also identified at least 75 federal agencies as “defunct or obsolete,” further highlighting the need for a thorough review of government structures and spending practices. This revelation underscores the urgency of addressing potential fiscal waste and inefficiencies within the federal system
The situation seems to get worse by the day.
