Government is broke. The 2004 federal deficit is the highest in U.S. history. The states have suffered three years of record shortfalls. Cities, counties, and school districts are laying off policemen and teachers, closing schools, and cutting services. But the fiscal pain won't go away, and the bankrupt ideologies of left and right offer little guidance. 'The Price of Government' presents a radically different approach to budgeting--one that focuses on buying results for citizens rather than cutting or adding to last year's spending programs.

It advocates consolidation, competition, customer choice, and a relentless focus on results to save millions while improving public services.