Taxpayer Directed Budget

----- The Basics -----

Below is a basic example of how a TDB law might work. Keep in mind, at this point in time, the TDB is a grassroots concept, not a law. Details and further discussion are available. This might lead one to ask the question, in the world where politicians are lead by polls, why haven't us taxpayers been asked what our preferences are before this?

By October 1, the President (and any candidates for that office) submits a budget outline to Congress that includes the percentage of the budget for each major Activity of the Federal Government.

By December 1, the Congress must develop a range for each Activity with the sum of the low ranges equal to three quarters the total budget and the sum of the high ranges being one and one quarter.

A bipartisan Balanced Budget Commission oversees the TDB process. The TDB is advisory to Congress and the budgetary process.

All citizen taxpayers may optionally fill out the TDB form when they pay their income taxes. The TDB process will not increase one's tax liability. The maximum amount of tax dollars that an individual may control directly or indirectly via the TDB process is limited to $200,000 (adjusted for inflation). Other general revenue shall be divided according to the TDB ratios. This allows for those who pay little or no income tax to have some leverage over other general revenue. Most every taxpayer will be able to leverage more taxes than they actually pay.
People may alternately get a full tax credit for any donation to an accredited charity for that same activity. This allows for the devolution of our politically controlled welfare back to individual controls and input.