The majority of economists surveyed by the National Association for Business Economics believe that the federal deficit should be reduced only or primarily through spending cuts. The survey out today found that 56% of the NABE members who responded felt that way, while 37% say they favor equal parts spending cuts and tax increases. The remaining 7% believe it should be done only or mostly through tax increases. As for how to reduce the deficit, nearly 40% say the best way would be to contain Medicare and Medicaid costs. Nearly a quarter recommended overhauling the tax system and simplifying tax rates and exemptions. About 15% say the government should enact tough spending caps and cut discretionary spending. The latest survey by the NABE was conducted in the two weeks ending Aug. 2, the day that the Senate passed and President Obama signed legislation to cut spending by more than $2 trillion and raise the nation’s debt ceiling.
The agreement managed to avert a potential default, but Standard & Poor’s downgraded U.S. credit from AAA to AA+, citing the political wrangling over the deal as a reason. According to the survey of 250 economists who are members of NABE, nearly 49% of those responding say the country’s fiscal policy should be more restrictive, while nearly 37% say they believe the government should do more to stimulate the economy. The remainder said fiscal policy should remain the same.
