Question 52

Does the Executive’s Budget Proposal or any supporting budget documentation present estimates of policies (both new proposals and existing policies) that are intended to benefit directly the country’s most impoverished populations in at least the budget year?
 * a. Yes, estimates of all policies that are intended to benefit directly the country’s most impoverished populations are presented, along with a narrative discussion.
 * b. Yes, estimates of all policies that are intended to benefit directly the country’s most impoverished populations are presented, but a narrative discussion is not included.
 * c. Yes, estimates of some but not all policies that are intended to benefit directly the country’s most impoverished populations are presented.
 * d. No, estimates of policies that are intended to benefit directly the country’s most impoverished populations are not presented.
 * e. Not applicable/other (please comment).

Guidelines
Question 52 asks whether the budget highlight policies, both new and existing, that benefit the poorest segments of society. This question is intended to assess only those programs that directly address the immediate needs of the poor, such as through cash assistance programs or the provision of housing, rather than indirectly, such as through a stronger national defense. This information is of particular interest to those seeking to bolster government’s commitment to anti-poverty efforts.

To answer “a,” the Executive’s Budget Proposal or supporting documentation must present for at least the budget year both estimates covering all policies that are intended to benefit the most impoverished populations and a narrative discussion of these policies. Answer “b” if a narrative discussion is not included, but estimates for all policies that are intended to benefit the most impoverished populations are presented. Answer “c” if the presentation includes estimates covering only some, but not all, policies that are intended to benefit the most impoverished populations (regardless of whether it also includes a narrative discussion). Answer “d” if no estimates of policies that are intended to benefit the most impoverished populations are presented.