A Remarkable Lack of Intergenerational Conflict: How Should Government Spending Be Divided Between Young and Old

Abstract

Many economists and politicians see the choices which government—federal, state and local—must make as involving a clear conflict between spending on programs for the elderly and those for children. Social Security and Medicare absorb ever larger proportions of government spending and the gross domestic product (GDP). Meanwhile, the Medicaid program, which provides insurance coverage for millions of low-income children and public school education budgets are also increasing.

Article Footnote

Large majorities of all age groups believe government spending balance is “about right.” Very few people, in all age groups, favor cutting programs for children or the elderly.