Final answer:
'The given statement "Burtless suggests that it is misleading to focus solely on federal spending for older adults" is True because [it does not fully capture the complexities of government expenditures]'.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that it is misleading to focus solely on federal spending for older adults is true. This assertion underscores the complexity of federal spending and the importance of considering various dimensions and demographics when analyzing government expenditures.
Here are some specific points:
- Federal spending has indeed grown in nominal dollars over the years, but as a share of GDP, this growth is not as pronounced. This suggests that a broader perspective is necessary when considering the overall size of federal spending.
- Contrary to what some may believe, education spending at the federal level is not larger than at the state and local levels. In fact, education funding is significantly higher from state and local governments.
- While many may assume that defense spending is at its highest, both as a share of GDP and in real dollars, this is not currently the case. Additionally, foreign aid comprises only a small portion of the federal budget, about 1%, which challenges common misconceptions about its size.