Government's layering of new programs on top of old ones inherently creates duplication. Having several agencies perform similar duties is wasteful
and confuses program beneficiaries who must navigate each program's distinct rules and requirements.
Some overlap is inevitable because some agencies are defined by whom they serve (e.g., veterans, Native Americans, urbanites, and rural families),
while others are defined by what they provide (e.g., housing, education, health care, and economic development). When these agencies' constituencies
overlap, each relevant agency will often have its own program. With 342 separate economic development programs, the federal government needs to make
consolidation a priority.
Consolidating duplicative programs will save money and improve government service. In addition to those programs that should be eliminated completely,
Congress should consolidate the following sets of programs:
342 economic development programs;
130 programs serving the disabled;
130 programs serving at-risk youth;
90 early childhood development programs;
75 programs funding international education, cultural, and training exchange activities;
72 federal programs dedicated to assuring safe water;
50 homeless assistance programs;
45 federal agencies conducting federal criminal investigations;
40 separate employment and training programs;
28 rural development programs;
27 teen pregnancy programs;
26 small, extraneous K-12 school grant programs;
23 agencies providing aid to the former Soviet republics;
19 programs fighting substance abuse;
17 rural water and waste-water programs in eight agencies;
17 trade agencies monitoring 400 international trade agreements;
12 food safety agencies;
11 principal statistics agencies; and
Four overlapping land management agencies.
Source:
Original article link with more details
This obviously has been only one ongoing issue since this source is from back in 2005. There has been many more wasteful spending that this article
points out and any google search will even provide more current and more outrageous accounts! I chose to share this one since it really is a good
place to start to save money and waste.
Admittedly, I keep researching and find myself being forced to look at Trump with different eyes. Though, in searching for a satisfactory candidate in
this election is frustrating; I can recognize from this article that the president may not be able to effect the changes that are needed. I will give
Bernie credit, he does say, he cannot keep his promises without getting congress changed.
Though that is what the problem seems to be...everyone is focused on a president and congressman/senators slip in and keep the status quo! Nothing
seems to change. I am really beginning to see the slight of hand play, but am frustrated on how to get real change to occur. Sure I could vote for
Bernie or Trump to send a message, but obviously the message has been known...but just disregarded by the actual complete government as a whole! Sigh.