Kids' Share: An Analysis of Federal Expenditures on Children
through 2008, a third annual report, looks comprehensively at
trends in federal spending and tax expenditures on children. Key
findings suggest that historically children have not been a
budget priority. In 2008, this trend continued, as children's
spending accounted for less than one-tenth of federal outlays.
Absent a policy change, children's spending will continue to be
squeezed in the next decade. The text below is an excerpt from
the complete document. Read the full report in PDF format. To
advance the economic and social health of the country, the
federal government directs resources to children—the country's
future workers, parents, and voters. This helps ensure the well-
being of children and helps them develop their potential and
future contributions to our common welfare. Federal resources
are used to promote the health and development of the young,
protect their safety and wellbeing, ensure their basic needs are
met, help protect their fam