How can some claim higher productivity in America if there is a negative productivity regarding state & local government employees – – since their headcounts increase each year faster than general population growth?
Few citizens recognize the massive growth of state & local governments – from 6% of national income in 1947 to an 18% slice of today’s economic pie. Many wrongly think big government has only occurred at the federal level. Most of us know each working person today is required to ‘carry on their back’ more seniors than any prior generation – – with less expected in return than available to current seniors. (see Social Security Report). But, few know each citizen also ‘carries on their back’ 3 times more state & local government employees than before – – with less education quality in return. A double-whammy!!! This chart is from the chapter State & Local Government Spending Report). In 1946 there were 2.3 state & local government employees for every 100 citizens. Last year there were 6.5 such government employees for each 100 citizens. That’s an increased load of 4.2 more employees per 100 citizens than before. If this sector’s productivity had just kept even with population growth toda
