Letter: Upending the D.C. rice bowl

The rancor raised by the left regarding Project 2025 and its implications for a Trump presidency is worth addressing. Let's consider some key facts. Currently, the federal government employs 7.9 million workers, constituting 6% of total U.S. employment. This includes 2.1 million federal employees, 4.1 million contract employees, and 1.2 million grant employees. However, in January 1990, the number of federal workers was just 1.843 million, indicating governmental bloat and inefficiency. For instance, the USDA employs 100,000 individuals to serve 3.4 million farmers. For example, there’s a USDA extension office in Cook County (Chicago) for 182 farms, averaging approximately 65 acres in size. In the FY23 budget, 70% was for nutrition assistance, and 14% went to farming, conservation, and other programs. These line items must be moved to HHS, with audits conducted to identify funding overlap.

The Department of Commerce exhibits significant overlap with other governmental programs. By consolidating and streamlining, we can improve accountability and the return on taxpayer investment. A comprehensive government-wide budgeting and reform initiative should closely scrutinize this department with a view to consolidation, elimination, or privatization to ensure optimal efficiency. Another area of concern is the Department of Education. Over the past four decades, since its establishment, the US has declined from first to near last in global education rankings. Disband it and use block grants to the States instead. President Reagan said, "A government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth."

Drew Runde

Carson City