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FY 1977 - 12/75 - Final Budget Decisions
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FY 1977 - 12/75 - Final Budget Decisions
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The original documents are located in Box 10, folder "FY 1977 - 12/75, Final Budget Decisions" of the White House Special Files Unit Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library. Copyright Notice The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Gerald Ford donated to the United States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections. Works prepared by U.S. Government employees as part of their official duties are in the public domain. The copyrights to materials written by other individuals or organizations are presumed to remain with them. If you think any of the information displayed in the PDF is subject to a valid copyright claim, please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library. Digitized from Box 10 of the White House Special Files Unit Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library THE PRESIDENT HAS SEEN OF THE PRESIDENT EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT OFFICE UNITED OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET on STATES WASHINGTON, D.C. 20503 DEC 18 1975 INFORMATION HR4 MEMORANDUM FOR: THE PRESIDENT From : James . Lynn Subject : Policy and Economic Assumptions for the 1977 Budget We are in the final countdown for the 1977 Budget. As you know, the official forecast regarding economic activity in 1976 and 1977 has a profound impact on the budget outlay and receipts totals. In order to allow the agencies sufficient time to calculate the impact of economic activity on their entitlement programs, we have already begun to prepare the forecast. Just as the economy has a large impact on the budget, budget and other policies have an important reverberating impact on the economy. Consequently, this week the Executive Committee of the EPB had to provide guidance to our forecasters as to what our policy stance would be on January 19. This is not intended to lock us into a set of policies, because last minute changes are possible. However, to the extent that good guesses can be made now, a more professional job can be done on the forecast and budget estimates, and errors are less likely. Policies in 1976 and 1977 Tax Policies 182ALF FORD The initial forecast will assume: (i) 1975 withholding rates will be continued to June 30, 1976. 2 (ii) On July 1, 1976, your proposal for a deeper tax cut will go into effect. The deeper cut will not be made retroactive to January 1. This implies that individuals and corporations will have to compute their 1976 liabilities on the basis of a set of tax rates that is half way between 1975 law and your proposal. Your pro- posal will be fully in effect in 1977. If your deeper tax cut went into effect on July 1 and was made retroactive to January 1, we would face the following unpleasant choice. Either we would have to cut withholding sufficiently to give back the whole cut in the last six months of the year, thus facing a rise in withholding in 1977 that could only be obviated by yet another tax cut, or we would have to overwithhold about $4 billion from individuals which would not be returned until the spring of 1977. By not making the tax cut retroactive we avoid this problem and we reduce the deficit by over $4 billion without a signif- icant effect on the recovery. Energy Policy Because the situation is SO uncertain, we have chosen to do two forecasts based on two different scenarios. Scenario I - You sign the Conference Bill - This forecast assumes that 90 days after enactment you propose a 2 per- cent price increase to the Congress in addition to the maximum increase allowed without Congressional approval. This increase would go into effect about May 1. (The maximum annual increase allowed without approval is the increase in the GNP deflator plus 3 percentage points or 10 percent whichever is less.) In February 1977, when the pricing policy is to be reviewed by the Congress, it is assumed that you will request a further 3 percent annual increase on top of that requested in 1976. FORD 3 Scenario II - You veto the Conference Bill and the veto is sustained. This forecast assumes sudden decontrol; you propose the windfall profit tax designed by the Senate Finance Committee last summer; and you propose that the revenues from this tax be spent on providing equal per capita rebates to all adults and on special programs for "hardship cases" such as farmers and independent refineries. None of the revenues are held back to provide for greater fuel costs to the Federal and State and local governments. Excess Federal costs are covered within your 1977 Budget ceiling of $395 billion. Long-Run Economic Assumptions for the Period 1978-81. The law requires four-year projections of budget outlays and receipts for the period following 1977. The economic assumptions underlying these projections were published in the 1976 Budget and again in the Mid-Session Review. The relevant Table published in the latter is attached as Tab A. These projections were based on the assumption that the real growth of the economy would equal 6.5 per- cent per year from the end of 1976 to the end of 1980. This year we must provide a projection for 1981. If the 6.5 percent growth rate is continued, an unemployment rate of 4.4 percent would result in 1981. The EPB decided that this was unrealistically low given that unemployment has averaged 5.2 percent over the last twenty years. The EPB unanimously selected the following option. A growth rate of 6.5 percent would be assumed for the period from the end of 1977 to the end of 1980. For 1981, a growth rate leading to 4.9 percent unemployment would be used. This growth rate is 5.0 percent given our last forecast for 1976 and 1977. If our last forecast of October 22 remains unchanged - and this is unlikely - the Budget table that would result is attached as Tab B. (Data on the insured unemployment rate and the interest rate assumption would have to be added. These were not computed for this example.) Attachments FORG Tab A Tab B TAB A* 1 ECONOMIC ASSUMPTIONS FOR BUDGET PROJECTIONS (calendar years; dollar amounts in billions) Assumed for Purposes of Budget Projections Item 1977 1978 1979 1980 Gross national product: Current dollars: Amount $1,891 $2,017 $2,335 $2,586 Percent change 12.6 11.4 10.8 10.8 Constant (1958) dollars: Amount $897 $956 $1,018 $1,084 Percent change 6.5 6.5 6.5 6.5 Incomes (current dollars) : Personal income $1,515 $1,689 $1,874 $2,078 Wages and salaries $978 $1,092 $1,211 $1,344 Corporate profits $173 $193 $214 $237 Prices (percent change) : GNP deflator: Year over year 5.7 4.6 4.1 4.0 Fourth quarter over fourth quarter 5.2 4.3 4.0 4.0 CPI: Year over year 5.3 4.4 4.0 4.0 December over December 4.8 4.2 4.0 4.0 Unemployment rates (percent) : Total 7.2 6.5 5.8 5.1 Insured 2 6.1 4.7 4.0 3.2 Federal pay raise, 0 ctober (per- cent) 6.75 6.50 6.00 5.50 Interest rate, 91-day Treasury Bills (percent) 3 5.1 5.1 5.0 5.0 *Source: Mid-Session Review of the 1976 Budget, May 30, 1975, Table 14, page 22. 1 Based on extrapolations using a 6.5% rate of real growth in GNP for 1977-1980. 2 Insured unemployment as a percentage of covered employment; includes unemployed workers receiving extended benefits. 3 Average rate of new issues within period. GERALD B Economic Assumptions (Calendar Years: dollar amounts in billions) Actual Assumed for Purposes of Budget Estimates 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 Gross National Product: Current Dollars: Amount 1,397 1,477 1,673 1,861 2,087 2,338 2,600 2,844 Percent Change 7.9 5.7 13.3 11.3 12.1 12.0 11.2 9.4 Constant (1958) Dollars: Amount 821 797 853 895 947 1,009 1,074 1,129 Percent Change -2.2 -2.9 7.1 4.9 5.8 6.5 6.5 5.0 Incomes (Current Dollars) : Personal Income 1,150 1,241 1,386 1,533 1,720 1,931 2,154 2,361 Wages & Salaries 751 786 872 970 1,095 1,234 1,380 1,518 Corporate Profits 141 124 169 196 217 238 259 278 Prices (Percent Change) : GNP Deflator 10.3 8.9 5.8 6.1 6.0 5.2 4.4 4.1 Consumer Price Index 11.0 9.2 6.6 6.1 6.0 5.2 4.4 4.1 Unemployment Rate: Percent 5.6 8.4 7.5 7.2 6.7 5.9 5.2 4.9 Federal Pay Raise, October: Percent 5.52 5.00 11.50 6.00 6.00 6.00 5.75 5.75 Assumes comparability under existing law and under existing comparability bases. TAB B THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON Returned 1020 LIBRARY is Put 1 ACTION PRESIDENT EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT OFFICE UNITED OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET SECUTIVE STATES WASHINGTON, D.C. 20503 DEC SECRET WHEN WITH ATTACHMENT MEMORANDUM FOR: THE PRESIDENT FROM: James T. Lynn SUBJECT: Final decisions - 1977 budget outlays Background At our last meeting on the budget, we promised to give you a list of final decision items when we had a firm 1977 outlay total. Discussion Outlay estimates for 1977 now total $387.7 billion. As shown under Tab A, the estimates have dropped primarily because of the economic assumptions you have approved. It is my view that the total 1977 budget outlays in your January budget should not exceed $393 billion. This would give you some desirable flexibility within a $395 billion limit. As you know, estimates of many items can change materially in a relatively short time. Further, you may want to request some additional amounts for energy or rail programs at a later date. Accordingly, I believe a $2 billion cushion is the minimum we should have. At Tab B is a listing of possible additions to the $387.7 billion that you might wish to consider. On the list is an identification (by an asterisk) of $5.2 billion in additions that I recommend. This would bring the total to around $392.9 billion. The estimates are still subject to further possible adjustments. But if you will indicate your decision on the Tab B listing, we will try to maintain the totals consistent with the level indicated by the additions you choose. Recommendation That you agree to additions totalling $5.2 billion and a 1977 budget outlay total of no more than $393 billion. Attachments SECRET WHEN WITH ATTACHMENT Tab A Tab A CHANGE IN 1977 OUTLAY ESTIMATES as of December 26, 1977 (Billions) Total as of December 21, 1975 $391.9 HEW - Revised economic assumptions, shift to phase-in of limit on indexed programs and other reestimates +.3 Labor - Revised assumptions on unemployment rates and other reestimates -1.4 Naval Petroleum Reserve offsetting receipts - Not previously included -.7 Defense and military assistance - Mainly adjustments to conform to currently planned levels on pay increases (60% limit on comparability pay and phase-in of retired pay at 66-2/3%) -.6 Civil Service Commission - Mainly changed economic assumptions and revised estimates related to the phase-in limit on retirement benefits -.3 HUD - Various revisions in outlay estimates -.3 Contingencies - Reduce from $2.0 billion to $1.5 billion -.5 All other changes -.7 Total as of December 26, 1975 387.7 GERAL FORD Tab B Tab B POSSIBLE ADDITIONS to 1977 Budget Outlays Don't Add add (In millions) Removal of limits (now at phase-in rate of 66-2/3%) on: 1. Social Security, SSI, Railroad retirement (By law, these increases are limited) 1,800 * ART 2. Civil Service and Military retired pay 500 * 3. Removal of Federal pay limit (now at "cap" of 60% of increases that would occur under new "pay-line") 1,300 met 4. Add "sweetener" to new block grant for Social services (above $2,000 million) 300 to 500 * 5. Propose Medicare initiatives to cover catastrophic met illness above $500 for hospital fees and $250 for physicians fees (compared to $810 now planned in current figures for both kinds of fees) 675* 6. Veterans pensions -- Drop plans to change the way income is calculated in determining pensions 560* net 7. Recognize probability that OCS oilland revenues (offsetting outlays) are more likely to be $7 billion rather than $8 billion 1,000* 8. Security assistance -- Add BA of $813 million in transition quarter and $545 million in 1977 per attached classified memorandum 600 Add the following smaller items that may cause greater problems than their size might indicate: 9. Land and water conservation fund -- Restore to AR7 $300 million program level rather than $180 million 120* Me7 10. LEAA grants -- Generally restore to 1976 base level by adding BA of $33 million 4* MR4 11. Indian school construction -- Drop plans for moratorium adding $31 million in BA (approximately the 1975 program level) 20* 12. National Science Foundation -- Add $50 million for basic science to satisfy scientific community 13 * Recommended additions. ACTION FRESIDENT EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT UNITED OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET SECTIVE STATES WASHINGTON, D.C. 20503 DEC 30 1975 SECRET MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT FROM: JAMES LYNN SUBJECT: Security Assistance Decisions for Transition Quarter and 1977 In addition to appealing your decisions on 1977 security assistance levels, the State Department is now requesting an $813 million budget amendment for the Transition Quarter budget to provide additional security assistance funding for the Middle East at one-fourth the level requested for 1976. Your decision on the Transition Quarter should be made in conjunction with your pending decision on State's appeal of the 1977 Middle East programs and the FMS credit level for Latin America. Middle East (Programs in $ millions) Transition Quarter 1977 State NSC Presidential State 1976 Budget Amendment Alt. Decision Appeal 1,750 Israel 2,240 --- 564 150 1,600 2,000 (FMS) (1,500) --- (375) (1,000) (1,350) (Economic) (740) --- (189) (150) (600) (650) 226 Jordan 253 --- 38 16 210 250 (MAP) (100) --- (75) (75) (FMS) (75) --- (19) (70) (100) (Economic) (78) --- (19) (16) (65) (75) 687 Egypt 750 --- 188 137 550 650 (Economic) 87 Syria 90 --- 23 17 70 75 (Economic) Total 3,333 --- 813 320 2,430 2,975 SECRET DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12958, Sec. 3.5 NSC Memo, 11/24/98, State Dept. Guidelines By WHM , NARA, Date 11/24/00 SECRET 2 Transition Quarter The basic issue is the level of assistance to Israel. The recommended increases for Jordan, Egypt, and Syria are designed to balance the proposed increases for Israel. State request. State argues that additional FMS credit is needed in the Transition Quarter to avoid a cash deficit position in 1977 based on purchases already approved and a "conservative" estimate of new purchases. Available Defense Department data do not support this claim; they indicate that, even if the full 1976 MATMON increment were approved, an estimated $250 million of the $1.5 billion 1976 FMS program would be carried over into 1977. Adding $375 million in the Transition Quarter would, therefore, increase the carry-over to $625 million. State's argument for Transition Quarter economic aid to Israel is essentially political- that Israel is expecting some additional foreign exchange relief from Transition Quarter funding and would be disappointed not to get it. OMB believes that the $1.4 billion which you recently approved for economic aid to Israel ($800 million for FY 1976 and $600 million in FY 1977) will enable Israeli GNP to grow moderately throughout calendar years 1976 and 1977 and that further economic aid could discourage Israel from undertaking required economic reforms. The increased amounts for the other countries would not have been requested in the absence of the increased request for Israel. If approved, the additional Transition Quarter funding would increase Transition Quarter outlays by an estimated $120 million and 1977 outlays by an estimated $400 million. This increase would be in addition to a $200 million increase in 1977 outlays if you approve the State appeal level for the Middle East. NSC alternative. We understand that NSC will recommend that Israel, Jordan, Egypt, and Syria each receive one-quarter of the economic supporting assistance level which you approved for 1977. No FMS credit would be requested to avoid appearing to support Israel's exaggerated military force goals. OMB recommendation. OMB believes that the current levels of aid are already above levels which can be justified programmatically. Seeking budget amendments of $813 million for additional aid to the Middle East is likely to generate considerable congressional resistance and will force offsetting reductions in other programs. B.FORO SECRET SECRET 3 The additional FMS credits for Israel would increase the unused carryover military credits into 1977 from about $250 million to $625 million. This increase is clearly unnecessary unless the Israeli's are going to be permitted to purchase more than the MATMON request--a level which NSSM 231 determined to be already in excess of demonstrable needs and likely to promote a destabilizing Arab arms buildup. OMB estimates that the already approved level of economic assistance will permit Israeli imports about $300 million above the level necessary to maintain the real imports at the 1976 level. The proposed Transition Quarter funding would permit an increase in imports of almost $500 million above the 1976 level in real terms. Finally, in order to maintain a balance with the Israelis, aid to the three Arab countries would have to be increased by almost $250 million. This would provide aid far in excess of their needs when added to the already approved 1977 levels. These increases would simply add to the unused backlog of aid funds in Egypt and the build up of Syrian and Jordanian foreign exchange reserves, thereby raising the likelihood of adverse U.S. public and congressional reaction. 1977 Appeal of Middle East Programs I am not aware of any new factors that would affect your decision on State's 1977 appeal beyond those set forth in the attached appeal memorandum. OMB and NSC continue to support your original decision. If you decide to increase funding in the Transition Quarter, OMB recommends that you decrease the 1977 level by an equal amount since calendar year 1977 import requirements are already adequately provided for. 1977 Latin America FMS Credits State has appealed your decision to provide $185 million in FMS credit to Latin America in 1977 and recommends $238 million. The arguments for and against the higher level are set forth in the attached appeal memorandum. We understand NSC now recommends a more modest increase to $200 million. OMB continues to support the $185 million level. SECRET SECRET' 4 Decisions: 1. Transition Quarter - Middle East - Approve State request ($375 million FMS and $438 million SA) - Approve NSC alternative (no FMS; $320 million SA) - Reconfirm budget (no FMS or SA for Middle East) (OMB recommendation) 2. 1977 Middle East a. Israel - Accept State appeal ($2 billion) - Reconfirm original decision ($1.6 billion) (OMB/NSC recommendation) b. Jordan - Accept State appeal ($250 million) - Reconfirm original decision ($210 million) (OMB/NSC recommendation) C. Egypt - Accept State appeal ($650 million) - Reconfirm original decision ($550 million) (OMB/NSC recommendation) d. Syria - Accept State appeal ($75 million) - Reconfirm original decision ($70 million) (OMB/NSC recommendation) e. Reduce above decision levels by amount of increase in Transition Quarter SECRET SECRET 5 3. Latin America FMS - Accept State appeal ($238 million) - Approve NSC alternative ($200 million) - Reconfirm original decision ($185 million) (OMB recommendation) Attachment EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET WASHINGTON. D.C. 20503 SECRET - GDS MEMORANDUM FOR: THE PRESIDENT FROM: JAMES T. LYNN and HENRY A. KISSINGER SUBJECT: Budget Appeal on Foreign Aid The State Department is appealing your decisions on: (1) the Middle East; (2) FMS credits to Latin America; and (3) military assistance to the Philippines. OMB recommends that you reconfirm your earlier decisions. (1) Middle East (Program in $ millions) 1977 Original OMB Presidential State 1976 Request Recom. Decision Appeal 1. Israel 2,240 2,240 700 1,600 2,000 (FMS) (1,500) (1,500) (400) (1,000) (1,350) (Economic) ( 740) ( 740) (300) ( 600)- TO ( 650) Jordan 253 253 180 210 250 (MAP) ( 100) ( 100) ( 50) ( 75) ( 75) (FMS) ( 75) ( 75) ( 80) ( 70) ( 100) (Economic) ( 78) ( 78) ( 50) ( 65) ( 75) Egypt 750 750 400 550 650 (Economic) Syria 90 90 60 70 75 (Economic) Total 3,333 3,333 1,340 2,430 2,975 Excludes P.L. 480 The basic issue concerns the level of assistance to Israel. We under- stand that your primary concern is to avoid creating the expectation of continued aid at the very high 1976 levels, while at the same time avoiding the appearance of a punitive reduction in aid levels to Israel. The assistance levels to the other countries are largely based on the perceived balance with Israeli aid. SECRET - GDS SECRET - GDS 2 Arguments for the State Appeal -- The $700 million reduction in total aid to Israel from the 1976 level of $2.3 billion would be interpreted by the Israelis as punitive. -- It would also be viewed by Israel as further evidence of lack of U.S. support at a time when we are not supporting them on other issues (e.g., PLO participation in UN debates). -- The State appeal program of $2.0 billion, a $400 million increase over your earlier decision, is judged to be the minimum necessary to substantially ease these Israeli concerns and continue the flow of military equipment perceived as essential by the Israelis. The State proposed increase in aid to the Arab countries is primarily required to balance the increase for Israel. VORD The $1.35 billion in military financing is needed to assure financing for military imports at the full MATMON level in both 1976 and 1977. Arguments for Maintaining Your Initial Decision -- The $1.6 billion level should provide adequate psychological assurance of U.S. support in view of the high level of military imports, without encouraging Israeli intransigence. -- The $1.6 billion aid level for Israel meets essential economic import needs and provides for high levels of military imports (full MATMON in 1976 and 1/3 MATMON in 1977), whereas the $2.0 billion level would more than cover full MATMON in both years. Military imports even approaching the MATMON B levels for 1976-1980 will be highly destablizing and are likely to force an escalation of the Arab military buildup. (The draft NSSM 231 study indicates that the MATMON B level of Israeli military purchases should be rejected and the level held to the minimum needed for essentially political purposes since Israel's defense capabilities are fully adequate through 1980 without any new orders from the U.S.) Increases in aid to the other countries are programmatically unjustified and would merely increase excessive Syrian foreign exchange reserves and add to the large pipeline in the Egyptian aid program and further encourage the Egyptian refusal to follow IMF and U.S. Government recommendations for essential economic reform. SECRET GDS SECRET - GDS 3 -- Finally, the State appeal would raise the "base" from which future aid levels will be calculated and would increase 1977 outlays by about $200 million. (2) Latin America FMS Credit Levels (Program in $ millions) 1977 Original OMB Presidential State 1976 Request Recom. Decision Appeal FMS Credits 180 238 180 185 238 State recommends reconsideration of your decision to request $185 million in 1977. Principal increases within the $238 million regional program would be in Brazil (up from $60 million in 1976 to $90 million), Argentina (up from $34 million in 1976 to $50 million), and Chile (up from nothing in 1976 to $20 million). These and some smaller increases for Bolivia and Colombia would be partially offset by dropping Venezuela, Mexico, and the Bahamas. Arguments for the State Appeal -- The increase for Brazil is necessary to preserve our position as the primary source of military equipment for Brazil's forces. -- The Argentine program must be increased to accommodate Argentina's force modernization plans and maintain our overall relations with a country where the military is taking increasing responsibility for government. -- The $6 million increase for Bolivia is needed to offset the phaseout of grant MAP. Arguments for Your Earlier Decision -- The $185 million already provides a small increase over the 1976 request, and is substantially above the $134 million the region was able to utilize in 1975. -- The $185 million level is adequate to cover desired increases for Bolivia and Colombia, allow up to $20 million for Chile, and permit funding Brazil and Argentina at the 1975-76 levels. -- Secretary Simon opposes increases for Argentina as a poor credit risk. -- Congress is likely to delete funds for Chile for human rights reasons and may question a 50% increase for Brazil on similar grounds. SECRET. - GDS SECRET - GDS 4 (3) Philippines (Program in $ millions) 1977 Original OMB Presidential State 1976 Request Recom. Decision Appeal Grant MAP 19.6 20 15 15 20 FMS Credits 17.4 20 25 25 20 37.0 40 40 40 40 Arguments for the State Appeal -- We are about to enter negotiations with the Philippines on the status of our military bases and on the entire range of our bilateral economic relations. A reduction in our MAP level would probably toughen Philippine positions on both these issues. -- It is Ambassador Sullivan's judgment that if our MAP level falls much below $20 million, the Philippines will demand rent for continued use of the bases. -- You already approved a MAP level of $19.6 million for Indonesia in FY 1977. We should not have a lower MAP figure for the Philippines, which permits us to have bases on its soil, than for Indonesia. The Philippines is highly sensitive to such comparisons. Arguments for Your Earlier Decision -- The MAP phasedown for the Philippines is part of a gradual worldwide substitution of FMS credits for grant MAP. -- The Philippines may request large increases in aid as part of the base negotiations, and the going-in position should not be increased above the minimum necessary. Decisions 1. Israel - Accept State appeal ($2 billion) - Reconfirm original decision ($1.6 billion) (OMB recommendation) SECRET - GDS SECRET GDS 5 2. Jordan - Accept State appeal ($250 million) - Reconfirm original decision ($210 million) (OMB recommendation) 3. Egypt - Accept State appeal ($650 million) - Reconfirm original decision ($550 million) (OMB recommendation) 4. Syria - Accept State appeal ($75 million) - Reconfirm original decision ($70 million) (OMB recommendation) 5. Latin America FMS - Accept State appeal ($238 million) - Reconfirm original decision ($185 million) (OMB recommendation) 6. Philippines - Accept State appeal ($20 million MAP, $20 million FMS) - Reconfirm original decision ($15 million MAP, $25 million FMS) (OMB recommendation) CC: Official File - DO Records Director Director's chron Deputy Director Mr. Ogilvie Mr. Sanders Mr. Shaw Mr. Sisco - State Department Return - Room 8201, NEOB Return - Room 8236, NEOB IAD:EGSanders/HJShaw:neh 12/11/75 SECRET GDS BUDGET TOTALS As of December 31, 1975 (In billions) Surplus or Outlays Receipts Deficit (-) 1976 $372.7 $297.4 $-75.3 1977 393ª/ 352 -41 1978 432ª/ 408 -24 1979 448 467 +19 a/ Adjusted to include recommended additions. OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET ABSTRACT OF CORRESPONDENCE TO: The Director The Deputy Director X FROM: Assistant Director for Budget Review OUTGOING TO: SUBJECT: Federal Civilian Employment Attached is a status report on Federal civilian employment, as of December 26, 1975, listing the changes since the previous (12/17/75) report was prepared. This report reflects the results of a final verification, by the program divisions, of all employment data held by BRD. Future changes, if any, will likely be small ones of a "house-cleaning" variety, and should not significantly impact the totals shown in this report. CC: Mr. O'Neill Mr. Collier Mr. Mitchell Mr. Ogilvie Mr. Oaxaca Mr. Preston Mr. Jura FORD LIBRARY #79495 CONTROL NO. PREPARED BY CLEARED BY CLEARED BY CLEARED BY CLEARED BY CLEARED BY CLEARED BY SURNAME AND Oberlander Strauss McOmber DIVISION BRD/RSB BRD/RSB BR (Typed) INITIALS AND DATE 22/26 89 12/26 hom 12/26 437-3 CIVILIAN EMPLOYMENT Estimates as of December 26, 1975 (In thousands) Full-time Permanent Total Actual June 30, 1975 1,917 2,106 September 30, 1975 1,913 2,113 Planned June 30, 1976 1,932 2,117 September 30, 1977 1,918 2,090 Changes September 30, 1975 to September 30, 1977 +5 -23 June 30, 1976 to September 30, 1977 -14 -27 1977 BUDGET CIVILIAN EMPLOYMENT STATUS REPORT AS OF DECEMBER 26, 1975 Estimates (in thousands) June 30, 1976 September 30, 1977 FTP Total FTP Total Estimates, as of December 17: 1937.6 2111.8 1917.6 2088.4 Major changes: Agriculture - +5.4 - - Defense-Military Functions -5.1 -0.2 - - HEW +0.1 +0.1 +0.5 +0.5 Interior +0.4 +0.4 +0.5 +0.5 Justice - - - +0.2 Labor - +0.1 - +0.2 Transportation - - +0.1 +0.1 Treasury - - -0.5 -0.5 ERDA +0.1 +0.1 - - Selective Service System -1.2 -1.1 +0.1 +0.1 USIA -0.2 -0.2 - - All other 1/ +0.3 +0.5 +0.2 +0.2 Estimates, as of December 26, 1975: 1932.0 2116.9 1918.5 2089.7 1/ "All other" includes effects of minor adjustments in some of the larger agencies not listed (i.e. changes of less than 50). Summary Comparison June 30, 1975 Sept. 30, 1975 June 30, 1976 Sept. 30, 1977 Actual Actual Estimate Estimate FTP 1917.4 1912.5 1932.0 1918.5 Total 2106.4 2113.1 2116.9 2089.7 REPORT REQ1 SUMMARY OF CABINET AND LARGE INDEPENDENT AGENCIES PAGE 1 AS OF : 12/26/75 AGENCY/SUBTOTAL/TOTAL P.Y. P.Y. C.Y. C.Y. B.Y. B.Y. FTP TOTAL FTP TOTAL FTP TOTAL DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 79133 118986 80380 119380 80380 114020 DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE 28667 35671 28906 36023 28654 36049 DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE, MILITARY FUNCTIONS 954721 989323 930688 962275 924000 942000 DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE CIVIL FUNCTIONS 29069 33665 29096 33069 29096 32225 DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, EDUCATION AND WELFARE 129285 141804 134902 147402 128175 140675 DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT 15142 16881 14960 16885 15650 17275 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR 58088 79115 59118 78704 59228 80005 DEPARTMENT DE JUSTICE 49032 50961 51552 53171 51745 53462 DEPARTMENT OF LABOR 13219 14188 14576 16259 14910 16469 STATE DEPARTMENT 22324 23652 22939 24555 22947 24563 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION LIBRARY 70345 72575 72394 74594 72598 74798 DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY 108138 119281 113995 124118 109955 120647 * 1557163 1696102 1553506 1686435 1537338 1652188 CABINET LEVEL AGENCIES ENERGY RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT ADMIN. 7457 7973 8335 8965 8425 9149 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 9160 10172 9550 10565 9550 10565 GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION 36400 38219 36768 38768 35989 37989 NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION 24333 25638 24316 25711 23816 25211 VETERANS ADMINISTRATION 184502 209123 196608 222759 198149 226505 AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT 6185 6587 6152 6627 6152 6627 CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION 6670 7974 6835 8315 6864 8344 FEDERAL ENERGY ADMINISTRATION 2978 3245 3200 3200 1791 1791 NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION 2006 2217 2289 2589 2529 2743 PANAMA CANAL 13768 14988 13840 15040 13840 15040 SELECTIVE SERVICE SYSTEM 2121 2256 170 227 90 90 SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION 4127 4698 4339 4792 4434 4764 TENNESSEE VALLEY AUTHORITY 14084 28242 15100 29420 15500 32130 UNITED STATES INFORMATION AGENCY 8662 8783 8800 9004 8800 9004 322453 370115 336302 385982 335929 389952 LARGE INDEPENDENT AGENCIES FINAL TOTAL 1879616 2066217 1889808 2072417 1873267 2042140 TOTAL NUMBER OF ITEMS RETRIEVED 26 EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET WASHINGTON, D.C. 20503 December 24, 1975 FORD MEMORANDUM FOR: JAMES T. LYNN lial FROM: CALVIN J. COLLIER SUBJECT: GSA Public Buildings We need a final decision on the Public Buildings matter right away. The decision to go ahead with full funding of all pending prospectuses poses serious problems because: -- It requires a request for $318 million in budget authority (with about $79 million in FY 1977 out- lays) as set forth in detail in Tab A; --- But the Federal Building Fund (FBF) will only have $50 million available in FY 1977. The reduced size of the FBF next year results from our earlier decision to cut GSA's requested SLUC rates. That decision cannot be reversed at this time. There are several options: OPTION 1: Approve all prospectuses and provide for full funding through legislation that would authorize appropriations to the FBF coupled with a request for appropriations of $268 million ($318 million minus $50 million). Advantages: -- Would implement full funding decision. Disadvantages: -- The Hempstead building should probably be scaled down in scope. -- The Phoenix prospectus has not yet been analyzed. -- None of the new buildings are cost-effective. 2 -- Alternative analysis to support the new buildings on other grounds (e.g., downtown renewal, jobs, public convenience through consolidation) cannot be completed in time to meet budget deadlines. -- Legislation to provide appropriations to the FBF is inconsistent with the FBF concept and, in view of dissatisfaction with the SLUC system, could very well result in Congress abolishing FBF, SLUC, and the user charge principle these systems stand for. OPTION 2. Unlink prospectus approval from funding. Request funds for already approved prospectuses (specifically, those which have been approved by Congress, plus the Madison Courthouse) totalling $22.5 million. Proceed with further analysis looking toward prospectus approval for Springfield, Providence, Witchita, some version of Hempstead, and maybe Phoenix. Do not request funds for these new buildings on the grounds that the FBF is depleted. FORD Advantages: LIBRARI -- Allows further prospectus analysis that might provide a better basis for affirmative de- cisions. -- Provides convincing explanation for declining to fund new buildings. -- Prospectus approval will provide some satis- faction to those who want these buildings, even without immediate funding. -- Will permit further work on prospectuses to scale down Hempstead, digest Phoenix, and per- haps reduce Witchita or Providence. -- Does not risk tampering with or destruction of FBF and SLUC systems. Disadvantages: -- Implies spending of $22.5 million in budget authority and $7.5 million in outlays in FY 1977 against the $395 ceiling. 3 -- Implies approval of prospectuses that are cost- ineffective. OPTION 3. Same as Option 2 except no commitment to approve prospectuses for Springfield, Providence, Witchita, Hempstead, or Phoenix. OPTION 4. No funding for new construction in FY 1977 and no commitment on new prospectuses. This represents the OMB recommendation and is consistent with previous guidance. Advantages: -- Programmatically justified in tight budget year. -- Will make prospectus disapproval more explainable to interested persons. -- Avoids programmatic anomaly of extremely tight budget for GSA repairs and alterations (which is a better use of funds) in favor of lower priority new construction. Disadvantages: -- Will be unpopular. -- May be reversed by Congress. DECISION OPTION 1 OPTION 2 OPTION 3 OPTION 4 See me Attachment 1/ BA Outlays (millions) Present value cost per square foot Project (millions) FY77 FY78 FY79 Existing Space Proposed building Approved by OMB and Congress. Augusta, Georgia - building conversion .8 Atlanta, Georgia - building conversion 1.8 Blaine, Washington - border station 3.1 East St. Louis, Illinois - new building 5.4 Los Angeles, California - parking facility 5.6 Subtotal 16.7 4.2 8.3 4.2 Approved by OMB - awaiting Congress. Madison, Wisconsin - courthouse 5.8 Washington, D. C. - Penn. Ave. annex 88.2 West Los Angeles - parking facility 9.3 Subtotal 103.3 25.8 51.7 25.8 Outlay distribution assumes a spendout of 25% in the first year, 50% in the second year and 25% in the third your, based on historic experience. BA Outlays (millions) Present value cost per square foot Project (millions) FY77 FY78 FY79 Existing space Proposed building Pending at OMB - recommend denial Springfield, Massachusetts new building 14.7 $110 $208 Witchita, Kansas - new building 28.2 2403 80 200 Providence, Rhode Island - new building 31.9 90 235 Hempstead, New York - new building 84.0 96 280 Subtotal 158.8 39.6 79.1 39.6 Pending at OMB - not yet analyzed Phoenix, Arizona - new building 40.3 10.1 20.1 10.1 Grand Total 318.6 79.1 159.2 79.1 Outlay distribution assumes a spendout of 25% in the first year, 50% in the second year and 25% in the third year, based on historic experience. Alternative Pay Raise Assumptions Fiscal Year 1977 (dollars in millions) Existing Proposed Proposed Changes from Comparability Comparability Alternative Last Budget Plan2 Estimates Civilian: Civilian Agencies White collar 1,778 972 726 140 Wage Board 94 7 34 -3 Defense White collar 1,057 579 432 85 Wage Board 368 26 127 -94 Total Civilian White collar 2,835 1,551 1,158 225 Wage Board 462 33 161 -97 Military 2,662 1,398 1,043 200 Total 5,959 2,982 2,362 328 Civilian agencies (1,872) (979) (760) (137) Defense (4,087) (2,003) (1,602) (191) Rates of Increase: White collar and military 11.5 6.3 4.7 Wage Board 9.8 0.7 3.4 GUOS 1/ - CSC changes on White Collar plus Panel legislative proposals on Wage Board 2/ - 5% maximum on White Collar. 3% minimum on all. Tobacco Subsidies in FY 1977 Budget Net expenditure (outlay) estimates included in the 1977 budget for stabilizing incomes of tobacco farmers are summarized in the table below. (Millions of dollars) Type of Price support tobacco program PL 480 Total Flue cured 38.8 14.8 53.6 Burley 28.2 3.9 32.1 Other 1.4 -- 1.4 Total 1977 68.4 18.7 87.1 19TQ 87.4 -- 87.4 1976 323.4 14.8 338.2 1975 -129.2 18.0 -111.2 A 15 percent cut in marketing quotas for flue cured tobacco and assumptions that the 1976 crop will be of average quality and that demand will continue to be strong are responsible for the sharp reduction in tobacco outlays from 1976 and 19TQ. The export payment program for tobacco is being phased out in 1976 so no money has been budgeted for this in 1977. The extent to which the incomes of tobacco farmers are enhanced through the operation of the price support program is not, of course, fully reflected in the above figures. Most of the benefits flow directly to producers from tobacco users who must pay the higher prices which result from government production control and price support operations. Other major Federal agricultural programs involving tobacco, and the approximate amount included in the 1977 budget are: Program Million dollars Tobacco market news 0.5 Tobacco grading & inspection 5.1 Tobacco research in USDA 5.2 Tentative Listing Information Topics 1977 Budget Human and Community Affairs 1. Health services block grant 2. Social services block grant 3. Education block grant 4. Medicare 5. Social security (Decoupling and other reforms, rate increase) 6. Retirement funds generally (including proposal to remove 1% kicker) (may be combined with social security). 7. Food stamp program 8. Child nutrition block grant 9. Education impact aid 10. Higher education programs 11. Temporary employment assistance 12. CETA and summer youth program 13. Unemployment insurance proposals 14. Drug abuse program 15. Public health hospitals 16. Veterans-Quality Care 17. Veterans education program 18. Other reforms of veterans programs including reimbursement by private insurers for medical care and removal of duplicate burial benefits. 19. Housing -- programs -- planning (701) grants 20. Community development 21. Work Incentives programs 22. Welfare programs (including SSI) Natural resources, energy and science 23. Research and development (Government-wide) 24. Waste treatment construction 25. Agricultural Conservation Programs 26. Flue-cured tobacco and peanut price supports 27. Space program 28. Energy initiatives 29. National parks 30. EPA water quality planning (208) grants and control agency grants. 31. Energy Independence authority proposal 32. Synfuels proposal 2 33. Tax credit for utilities 34. OCS receipts National Security and International Affairs 35. Defense a. -- to answer criticism that budget level is not high enough b. -- to answer criticism that budget level is too high 36. Reserves and National Guard 37. Compensation and fringe benefit reforms -- Including pay increases, commissaries, etc. 38. Foreign assistance 39. Selective Service 40. Civil Defense 41. Export-Import Bank Economics and Government 42. General revenue sharing 43. Postal Service subsidy 44. New York City financing 45. Highway program 46. Rail program 47. Aviation program 48. Water transportation program including waterways (user charges) 49. Law enforcement 50. Business assistance including small business 51. Regulatory agencies 52. Economic Development Administration and regional commissions 53. Rural development including rural water and waste disposal (perhaps combined with #52) General 54. Pay increases 55. Tax proposals 56. Efforts to achieve operating efficiencies THE PRESIDENT HAS SETH THE RESIDENT OFFICE EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT UNITED OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET WASHINGTON, D.C. 20503 JAN 19/8 INFORMATION MEMORANDUM FOR: THE PRESIDENT your FROM: JAMES T. LYNN SUBJECT: Military Assistance to the Philippines At our budget session last week, we discussed your earlier decision on the Philippines and the State appeal. At the time, I did not have a table showing your final decision. The table below shows the sequence of budget decisions. We are preparing the budget on the basis of your final decision. ($ in millions) 1977 1976 State Initial State Final Budget Request Decision Appeal Decision Grant MAP 19.6 20.0 15.0 20.0 19.6 FMS credit 17.4 20.0 25.0 20.0 20.0 Training .8 .6 .6 .6 .6 37.8 40.6 40.6 40.6 40.2 GERATA R.TORD