The total 2011 budget package is $1.049 trillion, which is $78.5 billion
less than President Obama had requested. The federal spending cuts
affecting the year 2011 will be $38.5 billion.
Key decisions in the 2011 compromise include dropping the hated 1099
reporting requirment, a part of health care reform. It mandated that
businesses file a 1099 form with the IRS for every purchase of goods
and services over $600 per year. The president signed a repeal of the
requirement on April 14.
Funding the government transparency was also reduced. President Obama
came into office with plans to release a great deal of government
information to the public electronically.
Government data can and does provide raw material for businesses.
For example, most of Ryan Klesko's "Free Stuff" publication series
is based on information published by the governement.
Part of the president's purpose in increasing government transparency
was to make it easier for entrepreneurs to use government data.
Sheila McKinney
