Americans say they put a high priority on strengthening the country and looking out for the next generation. Yet the federal government is on an irresponsible and unsustainable fiscal path, with spending programs growing more quickly than the economy can keep up with and tax revenues projected to chronically fall short of spending -- even in relatively good economic times. This leads to an ever-growing debt burden.

We believe, and our experience as an organization has shown, that when Americans are given non-partisan, straightforward information about the nation’s fiscal future, they understand the need to make budgetary tradeoffs and will push their representatives to make hard choices to set the nation on a sustainable fiscal path. That is why we work around the country educating, engaging and empowering citizens to take action.

The national debt is already quite high by historical standards, and government projections show that it will continue to grow rapidly and to levels substantially higher than ever in history. The aging of the population and rising health care costs are driving up government spending and revenues are not projected to keep pace.

The debt could rise even more rapidly if elected officials move forward with additional spending programs or tax cuts without “paying” for them through other budgetary changes. 

This debt growth will damage the economy, undermine our standard of living, and leave our children and future generations worse off. Procrastination only makes the problems more difficult to address. The sooner we deal with them, the better.

When faced with a challenge as complex as the nation's fiscal future, it can be easy to feel helpless and discouraged. The numbers involved can seem intractable and the problems may seem daunting. But there are things YOU can do to help America’s fiscal future!

One of Concord’s main goals is to stimulate honest discussions about federal finances that transcend partisan politics. We are determined to communicate with and empower American citizens to change the direction in which the country is headed. 

The Concord Coalition can help you start this discussion with your neighbors, colleagues, and elected representatives. It is easy to stay involved! Attend Concord events in your area, educate others, write letters to the editor, join our social networks and donate!