Budget deficit Quote by Cory Booker
““We had a massive budget shortfall with a structural budget deficit and seemingly no way to close it; the city had been spending at levels way beyond its recurring revenue for years, and the nonrecurring revenue streams were drying up as we entered office, leaving us with no good options. The structural deficit was about $180 million on a roughly $600 million general fund—which meant that if we were to eliminate our debt, we would have to develop or attract new housing and businesses that could generate tax income, identify other sources of revenue, or cut our government by one-third.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Congressional testimony, 2021
A large budget deficit requires either new revenue sources, economic development, or drastic spending cuts, each with political and practical challenges.
In simple terms: Fixing deficits needs new money or cuts.
Explore revenue growth and prudent cuts.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- city budgeting
- tax reform
- economic development
- spending reviews
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What revenue sources are feasible?
- How can cuts be made fairly?
Political realities may limit ideal solutions.