Executive Office of the President of the United States

A Blueprint for New Beginnings:
A Responsible Budget for America's Priorities

The Presidents budget plan is shaped around a clearly defined goal--the conviction that Government should play a role that is both activist and limited. The Government has an important role to play in fostering an environment in which all Americans have the opportunity to better themselves and their families. This is done by providing good educational opportunities for all youths; allowing families to keep more of their incomes and thus easing their way up the income ladder; keeping our commitments to the elderly and future generations; keeping the peace; and ensuring that communities have the ability to minister to their local needs.

However, Government must be careful not to overstep and to ensure that it keeps the commitments it makes. It must also take lessons from the private sector, finding ways to increase efficiency and customer satisfaction. Government has had difficulty doing this in the past. It is the Administrations objective to change this track record, by making the Government more accountable and ultimately raising citizens confidence in the ability of Government to work in partnership with the private sector to raise standards of living for every American.