The Politics of Public Budgeting

Public budgeting is inherently political. Using a “power struggles” theme to examine the dynamics of budgeting, Rubin’s classic text shines a bright light on the political jockeying between interest groups, parties, officials, policymakers, and the public. Updated throughout, the seventh edition explores the impact of the Great Recession, the joint federal–state unemployment insurance program, local level bankruptcies, and state takeovers, as well as the politics of successful tax increases in the midst of recession. Expert at explaining budgeting changes over time, Rubin sets issues like the federal deficit and health care expenditures in political and comparative context. And like prior editions, the book draws examples from all levels of government, emphasizing the relationship among them. Analyzing each strand of the decision-making process, Rubin shows the extraordinary coordination involved in passing a budget and achieving accountability.