The national budget represents the common resources of the people of the United States. Yet only a handful of experts understand the full impact of budget policy on the American people. Since women comprise just a fraction of national decision-makers, women's needs and perspectives are largely left out of budget policy-a critical absence during our current era of rising deficits, increasing military and security budgets, and cutbacks in public investment.

"Women and the U.S. Budget" helps fill the gap between the significance of the national budget in women's lives and the lack of information about it by focusing on budget literacy:

In Part One, readers take on the role of "public investigator" and explore the questions: Where does the money come from? Where does the money go? Surplus or debt? and Who decides?
Part Two connects the budget with national and international economies and examines what organizations are doing around the world to create gender-sensitive and people-centered budgets.
Part Three describes values, guiding principles, and a framework for a new budget for the United States, suggests ways to take action, and provides resources.

Part of a worldwide movement for more transparency and accountability in public budgeting, the book provides women and others with a tool for advocacy and action. It will appeal to a general audience as well as a variety of women's organizations, social service and labor union professionals, women community activists and elected officials, and students in a number of disciplines.

Jane Midgley has 25 years' experience addressing the national budget. She focused on budget policy as both legislative and executive directorof the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom and has written and spoken extensively about budget priorities. She currently directs Strategies for Success, working with nonprofits and executive directors. She lives in Somerville, Massachusetts.