The Price of Government: Getting the Results We Need in an Age of Permanent Fiscal Crisis [Paperback]

Government is broke. The 2004 federal deficit is the highest in U.S. history. The states have suffered three years of record shortfalls. Cities, counties, and school districts are laying off policemen and teachers, closing schools, and cutting services. But the fiscal pain won't go away, and the bankrupt ideologies of left and right offer little guidance.The Price of Governmentpresents a radically different approach to budgeting -- one that focuses on buying results for citizens rather than cutting or adding to last year's spending programs. It advocates consolidation, competition, customer choice, and a relentless focus on results to save millions while improving public services.David Osborne, author ofLaboratories of Democracy, is a frequent contributor to theWashington Post, Governing, and other publications. He is also a consultant to state and local governments.

Peter Hutchinsonis founder and President of The Public Strategies Group. He previously served as Commissioner of Finance in Minnesota, where he introduced several innovations in state budgeting and fiscal management. He lives in St. Paul, Minnesota.