Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary reason the author states that budgeting for sustainability is generally more expensive than 'business as usual'?
What is the primary reason the author states that budgeting for sustainability is generally more expensive than 'business as usual'?
- The public is more resistant to funding sustainability efforts compared to maintaining the status quo.
- Sustainability budgets must account for the costs of preparing for future disasters, which are unpredictable and difficult to quantify.
- Sustainability efforts require a long-term financial commitment that is difficult to justify in the short-term budgeting process. (correct)
- Sustainability initiatives are often associated with new technologies that are inherently more expensive than traditional approaches.
According to the passage, what is the primary reason the budget horizon for state and local governments looked 'rather bright' a decade ago?
According to the passage, what is the primary reason the budget horizon for state and local governments looked 'rather bright' a decade ago?
- The healthcare system and pension systems were not yet major budget constraints.
- Spending on the wars against terrorism was less of a burden on state and local budgets.
- The housing market was thriving and producing strong tax revenues.
- The technological boom associated with computers and information processing produced needed new revenue. (correct)
Which of the following factors does the passage identify as contributing to a 'much darker economic scenario' facing state and local governments in the 2000s?
Which of the following factors does the passage identify as contributing to a 'much darker economic scenario' facing state and local governments in the 2000s?
- The continuing cost of wars against terrorism abroad.
- A seriously faltering housing market.
- Unresolved healthcare system problems and pension system failures.
- All of the above. (correct)
According to the passage, what is the primary purpose of public budgeting?
According to the passage, what is the primary purpose of public budgeting?
What does the passage suggest is a key challenge facing those responsible for setting budgets at the state and local level?
What does the passage suggest is a key challenge facing those responsible for setting budgets at the state and local level?
Which of the following is NOT typically included among the backgrounds of keynote speakers at sustainability conferences for government officials?
Which of the following is NOT typically included among the backgrounds of keynote speakers at sustainability conferences for government officials?
According to the passage, which of the following is a characteristic of the sustainability 'tent'?
According to the passage, which of the following is a characteristic of the sustainability 'tent'?
Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a typical outcome of attending sustainability conferences for government officials?
Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a typical outcome of attending sustainability conferences for government officials?
According to the passage, what is the typical tone of the keynote speakers' conclusions?
According to the passage, what is the typical tone of the keynote speakers' conclusions?
Based on the passage, which of the following statements is true about the cooperative enterprises mentioned?
Based on the passage, which of the following statements is true about the cooperative enterprises mentioned?
