The Federal Budget Process is Broken.
Let's Fix It.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974, a pivotal piece of legislation establishing the current federal budget process. 

Over the decades, this process has become increasingly ineffective and convoluted, failing to meet our nation’s needs. To address this pressing issue, the America First Policy Institute (AFPI) is excited to announce a unique and impactful initiative: a nationwide contest to reform the federal budget process. 

Why Participate?

AFPI’s budget process reform contest invites innovative thinkers, policy experts, students, and concerned citizens to propose practical and effective solutions for repairing the federal budget process. This is a rare opportunity to influence the legislative framework governing our nation’s finances directly.

The federal budget process is critical to the functioning of our government and the well-being of all Americans. Currently, it is plagued by inefficiencies, lack of transparency, and partisanship that hinders fiscal responsibility. By participating in this contest, you can contribute to a reform that can lead to a more accountable, transparent, and effective government.

CONTEST DETAILS

The top three ideas will win a prize thanks to a generous grant. Join the contest today! Official rules can be found here.

PRIZE
1st = $10,000
2nd = $5,000
3rd = $3,000

IMPORTANT DATES

August 15 at 6:00 p.m. EST: Submission Deadline 

Mid-September: Winner Announcement (exact date TBD) 

Meet the Judges

Our panel of esteemed judges brings together a wealth of experience and diverse perspectives: 

Bill Hoagland
Former staff Republican director, U.S. Senate Budget Committee, now with the Bipartisan Policy Center.

Joel Friedman
Senior fellow at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, representing a Democrat perspective.

Austin Smythe
Renowned bipartisan federal budget expert

Keith Hall
Former director of the Congressional Budget Office, with a Republican background.

Bill Gale
Senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, representing a Democrat perspective.