Faces of the Federal Budget

The Faces of the Budget project tells the story of the federal budget through ordinary folks' personal experience.

I was permanently disabled at the height of a well-paid career. A year later, I was trying to live on the "disability income"—60% of my previous income. More

Deborah from Tacoma, WA | Map

I feel that we the disabled and the seniors are fighting the war of our lives-- fighting our own country for the right to live. More

Fred from Yachats, OR | Map

I began receiving food stamps...in 2011. More

Emily from Pompano Beach, FL | Map

My husband and I are disabled. We barely make it on a little over $1000 a month in SSI and SSDI. Our food stamps were cut back. More

Carol from Louisville, KY | Map

The mortgage interest deduction made purchasing and keeping my primary residence feasible. More

Shaktari from Los Angeles, CA | Map

Not only does my work-study experience add to my resume and practical job experience, but working a real job- with real responsibility- changed the manner in which I addressed my studies. More

Rachel from Branford, CT | Map

About Stories and Opinions

Stories and opinions presented in Faces of the Federal Budget are those of the individual who submitted them, and are not necessarily the opinions of National Priorities Project. NPP reviews story submissions for appropriateness prior to posting and does not modify content beyond review for spelling and typos.