c e l e b r at i n g 25 years 19 8 3-2 00 8

Bringing the
Federal Budget Home

an n ual 200 8 r e port

1
NPP founders: Greg Speeter, Brenda Loew,
Ricky Fogel, Alwin Schmidt (1983)

The First NPP Report (1983)

Mission
National Priorities Project (NPP) provides individuals,
community groups and national organizations with
concrete tools to shape federal budget and policy
priorities that promote social and economic
justice. We pursue our mission by:

Providing data on the local impact of federal spending

Educating the public, the media and elected officials

Collaborating with national organizations

Building alliances among social justice and

peace and security groups

1
 Message from the
Executive Director

Let’s get started!

O n January 20, 2009, I attended a local

screening of the presidential inaugural
coverage in an auditorium packed with 800
functions as a dynamic bridge between the
think tanks and policymakers of Washington,
D.C., and thousands of communities across
people. As this momentous event drew to a the United States. Our work is unique, and
close, Northampton, Massachussetts Mayor individuals, grassroots organizations, and political
Clare Higgins addressed the gathering. “Change officials at every level across the United States—
has come, and we have a lot of work to do,” she from state representatives to [Link] to the
said. “Please. Go get started.” Obama presidential campaign—use our information
every day.
Like Higgins, mayors in towns and cities across
our nation have a lot of work ahead of them to NPP is needed now more than ever. Now the
fix what is broken in this country. They and their invitation has come—through this revolution in
constituents are turning to NPP to help them values NPP helped incite—to change our nation's
advocate for more sustained funding for their priorities by broadening our definition of national
communities, and we are ready with the timely security. Finally, security means healthcare, decent
and essential tools they need. jobs, affordable education, a clean environment
and a willingness to reflect on the way our nation
For 25 years, National Priorities Project has engages the world.
shone a steadfast light on federal spending and
policy priorities. Through our analyses of complex NPP will continue to pull back the curtain on the
federal spending data and accessible reports, NPP U.S. budgeting process and hold our elected

2 how did the u . s . government spend your 2007 income tax ?

officials accountable—not just for a short-term “NPP’s data fuels countless progressive
stimulus, but for an enduring re-set of our national
organizations in their fight to reform our
priorities both at home and abroad.
nation’s spending priorities. There’s no other
One person alone cannot create positive social
change, and it will not happen overnight. Change group in the country that makes the federal
occurs because of countless small steps toward budget’s impact understandable on
a common goal. Here in the United States, it
will take time, and the participation of millions of a local level… This data has never been
people. NPP will be here—putting incisive tools more important.”
into the hands of those of you who are fulfilling
the promise of this new day.
- Ben Cohen, Co-founder,
As we seize this precious moment, I invite you Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream
to join me in celebrating NPP’s 2008 accomplish-
ments and our 25th year of bringing the federal
budget home.

Wishing you all the best,

Jo Comerford, Executive Director

hint : interactive tax chart ... www . nationalpriorities . org 3

 the federal
budget
year in review

I n 2008, for the third consecutive year, Congress failed to act on the majority of its appropriations bills,
instead voting for a continuing resolution to fund most federal programs at the current year's levels. In
reality, level-funding translated into funding decreases as a result of inflation.

While hundreds of programs in the Departments of Health and Human Services, Labor, Education,
and Agriculture, were level-funded, the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security received 4%
increases after adjusting for inflation. The increase was requested by the Department of Defense in
order to build U.S. military strength by adding 12,000 personnel in FY2009 .

The FY2009 federal budget deliberations were eclipsed by the national economic crisis and government's
response. In early October, President Bush proposed a controversial $700 billion bailout of the banking
industry to remedy the financial crisis which had begun to manifest in late 2007 with widespread failure in
the sub-prime mortgage market. After heated debate, the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008
created the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP), giving the U.S. Treasury Department the option to buy
or insure “troubled” assets, mostly related to failed mortgages.

While Congress debated the pros and cons of bailing out Wall Street, President Bush quietly signed the
Defense Appropriations Act, funding the Pentagon with an amount almost as large as the bailout. When
combined with the Supplemental Appropriations bill to fund the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the FY2009
military budget totaled nearly $674 billion.

4
By the end of 2008, the nation awaited the inauguration of President Obama
and contemplated a $790 billion economic stimulus package to rescue Main
Street. In the short term, Congress is considering yet another supplemental war
spending bill and the FY2010 military budget is expected to closely resemble
those of recent years.

In the longer term the Obama administration has brought hope for greater
governmental transparency and a new era in U.S. budget priorities. Ultimately,
the economic crisis may prove to be a catalyst for a shift in government spending
toward public priorities such as job creation, infrastructure, education, renewable
energy, and other programs that address human needs.

Defense Spending in FY2009: $680.9 billion

TARP Bailout: $700 billion
Cost of Iraq and Afganistan Wars Since 2001: $939.5 billion
2009 Stimulus Package: $787 billion

5
 $600,000

$500,000

$400,000

$300,000

$200,000

$100,000

- $100,000

- $200,000

- $300,000

- $400,000
in billions

1976 1980 1984 1988 1992 1996 2000 2004 2008

National Defense Aid to Cities* Deficit

Growth of the US Military Budget

* Aid to Cities includes: energy conservation, natural resources and the

environment, education, training, employment and social services, community
and regional development, housing assistance, and food and nutrition.

6
Department of Defense Appropriations Act , $512.7 billion
FY2009 Signed September 30, 2008

Department of Energy Nuclear $23 billion

Weapons Activities – Continuing Resolution

War Supplemental Approved June 30, 2008 $68.5 billion

Additional War Supplemental (issued Feb 2009) $75.5 billion

Total Defense in FY2009 $680.9 billion

U.S. Military Spending FY2009

Sources:
Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act (PL 110-329)
[Link]/congress/[Link]?bill= h110-1424&tab= summary
War Supplementals FY2008 Supplemental and FY2009 Bridge Fund
(H.R. 2642/P.L. 110-252) on June 30, 2008.
See also Amy Belasco, "The Cost of Iraq, Afghanistan, and Other Global War on Terror Operations
Since 9/11, CRS Report for Congress," updated October 15, 2008.
Budget of the United States Government FY2010 [Link]/omb/budget

7
 bringing the

federal budget home

I n 2008, the presidential election, global economic crisis, looming climate

change, and continued U.S. war overseas focused renewed attention on federal
spending and budget priorities. It was a pivotal year for the nation, and for National
Priorities Project as NPP prepared to celebrate its 25th anniversary. While provid-
ing data, educating the public, collaborating, and building alliances in a highly
charged political and economic landscape, NPP managed a smooth transition
to new staff leadership to meet the challenges of the next 25 years.

Providing data
Media, elected officials, and concerned individuals around the country rely on
NPP’s reports on federal budget and policy issues. In addition to releasing
the most up-to-date editions of several popular reports, NPP produced a
groundbreaking document, The Military Cost of
Securing Energy. Moving in a compelling new
direction, NPP demonstrated that the United States
spends up to 30 percent of its annual military budget
to defend access to oil and natural gas reserves
around the world.

To enhance the public's understanding of these

issues, NPP issued corollary fact sheets on energy
consumption and renewable alternatives, including

8 what have taxpayers in your city or town paid for the iraq war to date ?
 Excerpt from

“The Military Cost

of Securing Energy”

Despite fluctuations in gas prices, what

Americans pay at the pump does not reflect

the true costs of filling up their cars and

trucks. Each year, the U.S. military commits

resources to securing access to and

safeguarding the transport of oil and other

Priorities for Energy, Hidden Costs of Petroleum,
energy supplies. These costs do not show up
The Hidden Cost of Oil and The Hidden Cost
of Gasoline. The latter revealed that regardless in the market valuation of gasoline, heating
of the price of a gallon of gasoline at the pump,
fuel, or other end uses, but are paid for
Americans pay an additional $0.57 per gallon
through their federal taxes when the military cost instead by American tax dollars.
of securing access to imported fuel is factored
in. The intent of these publications is to stimulate …If the market price reflected the true cost,
discussion about the link between national security
and energy policy, and about ways to create a the quantity demanded by consumers would
greener national economy. decrease, leading to more conservation, and

As Wall Street trembled in September and making renewable, non-polluting energy

President Bush and Treasury Secretary Paulson
alternatives more viable.
proposed a $700 billion bailout – more than the
total cost of the Iraq war to date – NPP quickly
responded by releasing The Magnitude and The full report may be read at
Meaning of the Proposed Bailout, an analysis [Link]//Energy_
of the bailout proposal from the perspective of
taxpayers on Main Street. Security/Energy_Priorities.

hint : the cost of war ... www . nationalpriorities . org 9

 Educating
The Power of the Internet.. NPP’s U.S dependency on imported fuel: www.
website receives more than two million [Link]/energy_security/priorities_
unique visits annually. quiz. The quiz format will continue to highlight
other little known and startling facts about
NPP’s “Cost of War Counter" tallies federal funds
federal budget spending.
spent to date on the war in Iraq. The counter,
which may be viewed on NPP’s website,
How much have YOU paid for the Iraq
is also accessible on more than 20,000
war? NPP has a new version of it's familiar
other websites and receives upwards of 2.5
“Cost Of War Counter”, that calculates what
million visits per day. Introduced to NPP’s
individuals have paid for the war based on their
data and analyses on the Internet, individuals
taxable income. *[Link]/
and organizations constantly request additional
costofwar/individual
information or help customizing NPP’s resources
to meet their needs. Research for The Military Cost of Securing
Energy brought to light new data on fossil fuel
Bringing the data to life is our goal. NPP research
consumption and the use of alternative energy.
staff are using new Web 2.0 features to create
NPP staff have integrated this material into
more sophisticated visual representations of
the online database to broaden its reach and
the information for NPP's online database. By
deepen its value to activists and others. www.
sharpening the tools available online, NPP expands
[Link]/nppdatabase_tool
its ability to provide incisive data to individuals,
organizations, the media and elected officials.
*The Individual Cost of War Calculator was donated to
The Energy Priorities Quiz uses simple questions NPP by Jim Cousins and Don Raleigh of Minnesota,
with surprising answers to teach people about who co-founded and built the original My War Tax
website, [Link]

“National Priorities Project puts in real terms what the cost of the Iraq War means

here at home, what it means to our schools, to hospital construction, to the

infrastructure across this country. NPP delivers to grassroots activists

across the country like no other organization."

Tim Carpenter, National Director, Progressive Democrats of America

10
 Making Headlines

I n 2008, NPP saw continued growth in national,

state, and local media coverage of its data
and analyses. Total media mentions for the year
Media Highlights

Associated Press
increased to 1,621, which means that on average Black Entertainment Television
NPP was in the news more than four times each Boston Globe
day. National media coverage focused on the [Link]
cost of the Iraq war, military recruitment, and the CNN
presidential election campaign. Howard Stern
Huffington Post
Using NPP’s Where Do Your Tax Dollars Go?,
Mother Jones
[Link] created an 11–page slide show
National Public Radio
on federal spending which was featured on its
Newshour with Jim Lehrer
website: [Link]/id/24033281
The Nation
NPP significantly expanded its media contacts Time Magazine
in 2008. This effort included the creation of USA Today
a database of 800 energy and environmental Washington Post
reporters from across the U.S. As a result, op-ed
articles featuring NPP appeared in numerous
newspapers, and several high-profile online
publications such as the Huffington Post, 2008 Media Mentions
Common Dreams, Foreign Policy in Focus,
and [Link].
Radio 410
Television 12
Newspaper 418
Magazines 6
Syndicates 10
Internet 128
Blogs 637

Total 1,621

11
 Collaborating

NPP launched a new Networking and Training In 2008, NPP collaborated with numerous national
program in December, directed by founder Greg organizations including:
Speeter, with former development officer Juan
Carlos Aguilar as associate director. The initial The Obama Presidential Campaign requested
goals of the program are to: spending trade-offs and analyses from NPP
for communities throughout the United States.
Increase the accessibility of NPP’s
current resources and materials to US Action used NPP's cost of war numbers
facilitate grassroots organizing and trade-offs in their Iraq war and Wall Street
bailout campaigns.
Engage more economically and racially
diverse constituencies MoveOn promoted political action utilizing
NPP’s cost of the Iraq war and trade-offs
Forge strategic alliances and campaigns numbers for every Congressional district
with concrete social change goals in the country.

Build the capacity of allied organizations The Nation collaborated COCKBURN & POLLITT ON THE SPITZER SAGA

so they can fully access NPP’s data and with NPP on the center-
THE COSTS OF WAR
use it to achieve concrete social change fold graphic for its March
13, 2008, cover story on
Networking and Training will maximize NPP's the cost of the Iraq war.
educational potential and put its numbers to work. MARCH 31, 2008
[Link]

By expanding the ability of allies to utilize NPP’s The Evangelical Lutheran

RECESSION & OCCUPATION
SOLDIERS & WORKERS
WINNERS & LOSERS

online database and publications, Networking Church of America

and Training will leverage NPP’s substantial requested fact sheets for 30 cities on poverty,
capabilities, both locally and nationally. human needs, and the cost of war for their
annual meeting of Lutheran bishops.

The Backbone Campaign highlighted NPP's

cost of the Iraq war numbers and trade-offs
at each destination of its multi-city bus tour.

12 how much will taxpayers in your state pay for proposed nuclear weapons in FY2009?
NPP’s Online Database NPP’s database includes numbers on the costs
to taxpayers of the military, the Iraq war, and tax cuts.
In addition, users can navigate the popular “Trade-

O ver the past few years, NPP has created

a powerful interactive database of federal
spending data that can be accessed by state and
Offs” section of the database to learn how much a
particular weapons program has cost their state, city,
or congressional district in federal taxes. One can
county. Visitors to NPP’s website can discover how then examine what that money could have provided
much the U.S. government has spent on programs in social services such as health insurance, teachers
in eight issue areas: housing, health, education, or housing. The database also houses information
hunger, military, labor, income and poverty, and regarding military recruitment and demographics at
energy. This information goes back to 1983, the the zip code, county, and state levels.
earliest year for which reliable data are available.
The NPP database is a unique, one-stop shop for
In addition, the database houses “needs indicators.” both funding and needs data. For example, information
In the health issue area, for example, data on on energy consumption can be viewed alongside
spending for community health centers by state military spending and public health data. For this
are available, along with the numbers of uninsured reason, activists, journalists, and policy makers
people and children in the same location. NPP's who advocate for a change in our nation's spending
database contains nearly eight million datapoints, priorities use this resource regularly. Whether their
representing information from hundreds of govern- interest is in human needs and social services, or
ment programs, 25 years of national censuses and peace and security, they can gather the facts they
federal budgets. need from one rsource—NPP's vast database.

Building Alliances
NPP staff participated in the Task Force for a Unified Security Budget (USB). The USB
proposes that Congress evaluate the efficacy of offensive, defensive and preventive security
strategies and adjust federal spending to get the best security and return on taxpayers' investment.

NPP also provided significant support to the American Friends Service Committee’s
Cost of War project, which grew out of its national “Eyes Wide Open” campaign.

NPP staff spoke at numerous workshops and conferences, including:

Ecumenical Advocacy Days: Washington D.C., a national gathering of 1,000 advocates
Clean Water Action/Working America Leadership Retreat
New Haven (CT) Peace Commission: hearing on the impact of war
and military spending on the city of New Haven

hint : trade offs ... www . nationalpriorities . org 13

14
Military Debt
Interest on

Benefits
Veteran's
and War
Current Military
3.5¢ 10¢ 28.7¢
42.2¢

Military

Healthcare

22.1¢

10.2¢
Interest on Non-Military Debt

Anti-Poverty Programs

8.7¢
Education Training & Social

4.4¢
Services

Government & Law

3.9¢
Enforcement

Housing & Community

Where

Development

3.3¢
do your

Environment, Energy, & Science 2.6¢

every federal income dollar.
consumes more than 40 cents of

Agriculture, Commerce,
1.5¢
Past and current military spending

and Transportation
tax dollars go?

International Affairs
1¢
 F o u nder ' s L etter

A 25-year experiment in grassroots democracy

A s a community organizer in western

Massachusetts in 1983, it became apparent
to me that the Reagan budget policies were
issues, and made it available to national allies.
Collaborations with these groups resulted in
passage of housing, environmental and children’s
cutting programs that solved problems. So several services legislation. We toured the country with
activists, led by Ricky Fogel, Alwin Schmidt, Peace Action, setting up or strengthening state
Brenda Lowe and me, tried a new approach: and local grassroots coalitions of labor, peace
showing the congressional district-level impact and community groups that fought for the Peace
of the cuts. Dividend. We also helped organize effective
hearings in primary campaigns throughout the
After months of research, we came up with 1992 elections.
a startling result: our congressional district
had lost $54 million in social spending in just Our federal budget campaigns grew. Using our
two years! We presented this information to data and analysis, activists fought against the
then-Congressman Silvio Conte—the ranking Contract with America, the B-2 bomber, tax
Republican on the Appropriations Committee— breaks for wealthy individuals, and for living
who was shocked by the figures. He changed wage jobs, and more money for our schools and
his voting record, becoming a strong advocate communities. Our ability to illustrate the national
for addressing human needs in his district, and and local impact of federal spending, especially
for cutting exotic weapons systems and military the military budget, has created headlines, and
incursions. we’ve played a major role in shaping public opinion
about the Iraq war.
This experiment in grassroots democracy taught
us that Congress often didn’t understand the This year, my work has a new focus on networking
local impact of its decisions, and that researching and training to ensure the most effective use of
federal spending could NPP’s data. The economic crisis demands citizen
bring community groups action, and the Obama election has created
together. Inspired, we unprecedented energy and interest. The timing
realized we had created couldn’t be better.
a one-of-a-kind process,
and decided to bring it to
the national stage.

We began to gather Greg Speeter, Founder

local data on critical National Priorities Project

15
 m i l e s t o n e s n a t i o n a l
The first 25 years

1981
President Ronald Reagan takes office
1983
1984 Speeter & colleagues produce “In Defense of the First
Reagan budget cuts devastate District,” documenting $54 million funding loss over
communities across the country two years to the first Massachusetts Congressional District

1986
NPP goes national – supporting grassroots organizations
across the U.S.
1989
President George H.W. Bush 1989-90
takes office Trainings in 30 U.S. cities in support of the Peace Dividend

Soviet Union dissolves, 1989-92
ending the Cold War Collaborations with national organizations and the Citizens
Budget Campaign (CBC), Common Agenda Coalition, and
1991 Campaign for New Priorities
First Gulf War
1991-92
1993 Collaboration with CBC on Reinvest in America reports for
President William Jefferson Clinton 16 states, helping hundreds of groups push candidates on
takes office economic issues

Pentagon “Bottom-Up Review”

of the post-Cold War 1993
U.S. Military strategy Collaboration with Institute for Defense and Disarmament
Studies on the only progressive analysis of the Pentagon’s
1994 budget review
Republicans gain control of Congress
and severely cut social spending
1995
Launch of Creating a Common Agenda in Washington D.C. on
C-SPAN, providing alternative to Gingrich’s “Contract with America”

16
p r i o r i t i e s p r o j e c t

1996
1997 Federal “welfare reform”: work
NPP materials on the B2 bomber’s state requirements, food stamp cuts, and 5
and local impact help stop its funding year limits on Temporary Assistance

Launch of NPP website, 1997

[Link] World Wide Web becomes a
critical communication medium
NPP's report, "Working Hard,
Earning Less," is first to provide living
wage information for all 50 states 1998
New jobs created in 1990s boom
1998 74% of new jobs pay below a
NPP materials help prevent cuts in social programs living wage
and increases in F22 Jet Fighter funding

2000 2001
NPP helps prevent total estate tax repeal President George W. Bush takes office
through state impact fact sheets
President Bush proposes total repeal
2002 of the estate tax, at 20-year cost of
NPP launches the first interactive online database $1 trillion
with federal budget information (see page 13)
9/11 is followed by US & UK invasion
Launch of online “Cost of War Counter" of Afghanistan on October 21
keeps military spending in the public eye
2003
2002-2003 U.S. invades Iraq, March 20
NPP convenes human needs groups to address
impact of military spending on social issues

2006
NPP’s “Cost of War” data shapes debate in
mid-term Congressional election campaigns 2008
Barack Obama elected President
2008 of the United States
Release of The Military Cost of Securing Energy
17
(see page 8)
 looking
ahead
The promises and hopes generated by election campaigns sometimes help
to raise hopes and set democratic forces in motion that break the grip of politics
as usual… These are moments when ordinary people enter into the political
life of a country and authentic bottom-up reform becomes possible.”

Frances Fox Piven, The Nation, December 1, 2008

W ith the inauguration of President Barack

Obama, 2009 offers an historic opportunity
to begin reshaping national budget priorities. NPP
security, and securing a significant reduction in the
military budget over time, along with a sustained
increase in social spending
has a key role to play in realizing this opportunity.
If we are to “break the grip of politics as usual,” • An analysis of the economic and human costs of
NPP must intensify its efforts to demonstrate expanded U.S. military intervention in Afghanistan,
that new priorities are both needed and possible. produced in partnership with American Friends
Service Committee
To facilitate bottom-up reform, NPP has prepared
new tools for organizers, as well as some for the • A comprehensive guide to reducing the U.S.
new administration: military budget.

• NPP’s first “Budget Priorities 101” webinar NPP’s 2009 research will continue to focus on
offered at the request of the Women’s Action for a greener, less militarized economy. Publications
New Directions (WAND) women legislators’ lobby, in 2009 will include the release of 2008 Army
followed by other webinars throughout 2009 recruitment data, and analyses of President
Obama’s first budget and economic stimulus plan.
• “Our Nation’s Checkbook” will use NPP’s
research to engage the American public and The Obama campaign’s success made clear the
elected officials in conversations and actions extraordinary power of today’s communication
focused on broadening our definition of national technologies. With the goal of reaching broader

18
 Profile
Juan Carlos Aguilar

Associate Director of Networking federal budget priorities, and As someone who is passionate
and Training, Juan Carlos Aguilar hopes that the foundation about NPP’s mission, Aguilar
is leading the effort to build he is building will bolster the is the perfect ambassador for
relationships with constituencies momentum of powerful national these efforts. His previous work
that have not previously worked campaigns for social change. at the Peace Development
closely with NPP. Aguilar spends Fund and Solidago Foundation
In Aguilar’s view, the first step
much of his time talking to gave him many opportunities
toward true partnership with
activists in grassroots networks to dialogue and collaborate
multi-racial constituencies is
that are part of the economic and with a diverse group of leaders
to understand multiple political
environmental justice movement. from major social change
and social change analyses. He
His goal is to learn about their organizations across the United
emphasizes the importance of
priorities and understand the States and Mexico. Aguilar, who
patience and the fundamental
ways in which NPP can support joined the NPP staff in 2007,
task of building reciprocal
their goals. believes that Networking and
relationships. Aguilar is leading
Training will be the bridge that
Aguilar believes this effort has NPP in the process of becoming
connects NPP with new and
the potential to strengthen a an anti-racist organization,
diverse constituencies while
grassroots-led movement for which includes examining how
strengthening ties with current
new priorities. He observes racism affects interpersonal
partners.
that people of color are often communication, decision-making,
those most affected by distorted and organizational strategies.

constituencies and expanded media outlets, NPP’s An upcoming redesign of the interactive website
strategy now includes blogging, social marketing will make NPP’s online tools more user-friendly,
and “viral” communications – using the Internet for while maximizing NPP’s potential to support
widespread dissemination of video clips, interactive organizations working for social change.
quizzes, policy discussion and other information.

19
 strengthening

NPP
2008 was a year for new leadership at planning process led jointly by board and staff
is currently underway.
NPP. Founding Executive Director Greg Speeter
assumed a new role as director of Networking The Fall Party in October brought together 500
and Training, and NPP welcomed Jo Comerford NPP supporters to celebrate the beginning of
in July as the second Executive Director in its NPP’s 25th anniversary and invest financially
25-year history. Jo brings almost two decades in the next 25 years. Katrina vanden Heuvel,
of experience in community organizing, strategic editor of The Nation, inspired the crowd with
program planning, organizational development, her perspective on “The Election and Beyond:
and fundraising to NPP. Before joining NPP, she Challenges and Opportunities.” The 2008 Frances
served as program director at the Food Bank of Crowe Award was presented to Sut Jhally, founder
Western Massachusetts and was program coordi- and executive director of Media Education
nator of the American Friends Service Committee Foundation. Jhally then presented MEF’s
in western Massachusetts. Jo holds an MSW in anniversary gift to NPP, a 12-minute film
community organizing from Hunter College School tribute to NPP which may be viewed at
of Social Work and is an adjunct faculty member [Link].
at the Smith College School of Social Work.
The Fall Party also launched the Greg Speeter
NPP’s board of directors carried forward its vision Society, a major gifts initiative which honors
of strong national representation by electing two Greg’s lifetime of work for social and economic
new national members and one new regional justice through sound national priorities. The NPP
member. Board and staff worked together development committee is now building on its
closely through the executive transition, and NPP successful fundraising model by organizing events
continues to be strengthened by the board's in 2009 in Boston, New York City, Washington
extraordinary commitment. A long-range strategic (D.C.), San Francisco, Boulder, and Portland (ME).

20 how many active - duty army recruits are there in your county ?
 Major Collaborators

American Friends Service Committee

American Human Development Project
The Backbone Campaign
Barack Obama 2008 Presidential
Campaign
Bread for the World
Business Leaders for Sensible Priorities
Campaign for America's Future
Center for American Progress
Coalition on Human Needs
Connect US
Emergency Campaign for America's
Supporters Priorities
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Foundations Foreign Policy in Focus
Foundation support comprises more than 65 Friends Committee for National
percent of NPP's revenue. We appreciate the Legislation
partnership of the following foundations in 2008: Hillary Clinton 2008 Presidential
Campaign
Ben and Jerry's Foundation Institute for Policy Studies
Colombe Foundation [Link]
Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts Media Education Foundation
The Connect US Fund MoveOn
Educational Foundation of America The Nation
Gone Giving New Hampshire Citizens Alliance
Patricia Silver Fund/Peace Development Fund One Wisconsin Now
Rockefeller Brothers Fund Peace Action
Rockefeller Investment Company Political Economy Research Institute
Select Equity Foundation Priorities NH
Solidago Foundation Progressive Democrats of America
Stewart R. Mott Charitable Trust ProgressNow Colorado
Town Creek Foundation US Action
Wellspring Fund/Peace Development Fund Women's Action for New Directions

hint : npp database ... www . nationalpriorities . org 21

 Greg Speeter Society

NPP is deeply grateful to the donors who inaugurated the Greg Speeter Society at the start of NPP’s
25th anniversary year. We invite supporters to honor Greg’s leadership and NPP’s extraordinary
accomplishments by making a contribution of $2,500 or more.

We proudly welcome these founding members of the Greg Speeter Society.

Anonymous Donor Lori Divine-Hudson

Cynda Arsenault Douglas Kreeger
Lisa Baskin George & Ann Levinger
Michael Cohen & Patricia Collins The Speeter Family
Sarah Creighton & Phil Lawrence Robert Speeter
Ned DeLaCour & Nancy Lustgarten Bill Strickland
Laura Hirschfield Katrina vanden Heuvel, The Nation
Jack Hornor & Ron Skinn Cate Woolner & Dan Croteau

Cost of War Counters

Reverend Ian Maher's Unitarian

Universalist congregation in Queens,
NY, was eager to make a public
statement about the U.S. occupation
of Iraq, and NPP donors were eager
to help. The Unitarians wanted
a Cost of War Counter that was
boldly visible for the community.
Raising money to help buy it and
building housing to protect it from
the elements, in 2007 they proudly These signs around the country were made possible by the
placed the sign on the church's generosity of Frank Marrotta, Carolyn Hicks, Lori Divine-Hudson
front lawn! and the late Dennis Hudson.

22 what percentage of children in your county lived below the federal poverty level in 2007 ?
 Top Petroleum Exporters to the U.S.

Years of Petroleum Reserves Remaining

14.4
9.6

16.8

21.8
22.9

42.1
69.5
2,470

91.3

100
1,590

1,434

1,356

1,080

718

580

476

400

Barrels per day in thousands

hint : npp database ... www . nationalpriorities . org 23

 Reports Published in 2008

More War Funding Signed by President January

Federal Budget Year in Review: 2007 January
Military Recruiting 2007: Army Misses Benchmark by Greater Margin February
The President’s Budget Fiscal Year 2009: Impact on the States March
President’s Budget FY2009 and Iraq war: State Impact April
Where Do Your Tax Dollars Go? May
The President’s War Request: Local Costs Updated May
The Magnitude and Meaning of the Proposed Bailout September
The Military Cost of Securing Energy October
Priorities for Energy October
Hidden Costs of Petroleum October
The Hidden Cost of Oil October
The Hidden Cost of Gasoline October
Militarizing Our Energy Policy: Oil, Presidential Doctrines, and War October

“Until the 1950s, the United States was largely self-sufficient in meeting its own energy
needs. To support an ever-growing need for energy that we cannot meet, we now import
58.2 percent of our petroleum.”

- “Priorities for Energy: The National Picture”

24
 Giving Options

Greg Speeter Society

The Greg Speeter Society honors NPP’s founding Monthly Giving Program
director with a contribution of $2,500 or more. Monthly Sustainers contribute to NPP through the
convenience of a credit card or bank withdrawal,
Investors' Circle and are some of our most loyal and consistent
We invite supporters to become members of our supporters.
Investors’ Circle by making a five-year pledge
of any amount. We deeply appreciate that more Living Legacy
than 150 donors currently participate. More than A nation moving toward social and economic
$40,000 was contributed through this program justice may be the greatest legacy we can leave
in 2008 and an additional $189,006 has been to our children and grandchildren. Living Legacy
pledged for 2009-2012. These pledges help NPP members who share our long-term goal for a
plan for the future and provide valuable flexibility vibrant democracy have chosen to provide for
in programming. National Priorities Project in their wills. These
bequests, life-income gifts, and other charitable
Leadership Circle estate planning arrangements provide vital support
Supporters who contribute $1,000 or more for NPP’s work today and in years to come.
are vital to our day-to-day work. Their leadership
gifts inspire others to support social change by For further details about these giving options,
investing in NPP. please contact Sara Silvia, Development Officer,
National Priorities Project, 243 King Street, Suite
Gifts of Real Estate 239, Northampton, MA 01060, 413-584-9556,
For many individuals and families, creative sara@[Link].
approaches to philanthropy involving real estate
may make sense. These gifts can provide very
substantial financial support to NPP while address-
ing the estate planning and tax planning needs of
families.

25
 These slides were designed for NPP by Sita Magnuson for
use on cable access stations nationwide.

26 where can you view the 25th anniversary film about npp narrated by rachel maddow ?
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Suzanne Smith, DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Peter Greenwald, Research Director Dennis Bidwell
Chair and Treasurer Greg Speeter, Carolyn Cushing
Eve Brown-Waite Director of Networking Laurie Herrick
Dennis Bidwell (elected in 2008) and Training Jim Levey
Jen Kern Beth Spong, Stuart Mieher
Bakari Kitwana (elected in 2008) Development Director Beth Spong
Michael Klare David Starr
Stephanie Luce *NPP gratefully acknowledges Eve Brown-Waite
Vijay Prashad the service of board and staff
Bill Strickland who departed the organization INTERNS
Sue Thrasher, Clerk in 2008: Anita Dancs, Hal
Fales, Phil Korman, Alfred Nana Bannor
Leah Wise (elected in 2008) Carrie Bernstein
Cate Woolner Nutile, Pamela Schwartz
Molly Daniell
CONSULTANTS Heather Dodge
STAFF Mollie Herman
Juan Carlos Aguilar, Anita Dancs Erin McNally
Associate Director of Monica Green Danna Niedzwiecki
Networking and Training Alfred Nutile Jaime Soper
Barb Chalfonte, Russell Powell Jun Zhang
Senior Research Analyst
Jo Comerford,
Executive Director
Kristine Elinevsky,
Administration & Finance
Director
Lauren Goldrich,
Development Associate
Jillian Hanson,
Communications Director
Daniel McLeod,
Outreach Coordinator WAND of Arkansas
Mary Orisich,
Research Analyst
Diana Riddle,
Development Coordinator
Brendan Smith,
IT Coordinator
Sara Silvia,
Development Officer

hint : watch the video ... www . nationalpriorities . org 27

 For the Year Ended December 31, 2008
Financial Summary With Comparative Totals for 2007

2008 * 2007
REVENUE AND SUPPORT
Grants $396,851 $468,256 **
Donations $200,779 $229,836
Other $4,680 $1,400
Interest $5,945 $6,346
TOTAL REVENUE AND SUPPORT $608,255 $705,838

EXPENSES
Program $490,778 *** $394,247
Administration $60,777 $64,010
Development $110,134 $94,927
TOTAL EXPENSES $661,689 $553,184

CHANGE IN NET ASSETS ($53,434) $152,654

NET ASSETS, Beginning of the Year $667,665 $515,011

NET ASSETS, End of the Year $614,231 $667,665

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

Beginning of the Year $411,420 $334,605
End of the Year $356,141 $411,420

* Unaudited figures. Complete audited statements available upon request.

** Includes total pledged funds for three multi-year grants awarded in 2007.
*** Includes $47,845 in expenses for prior year grant funds carried over.

28
 NPP honors Arky (pictured) and her husband George Markham

for their lifetime of activism and abiding support of our work.

Thanks to AFSC of western MA for the photo of Arky Markham, taken by

Rachel Chandler-Worth; AFSC's Hawaii chapter for the photo on page 7;
and WAND of Arkansas for the photo on page 27.
NPP gratefully acknowledges MoveOn for permission to reprint the
photos on page 7 and page 9.
The Nation cover art from the March 31st issue is reprinted with permission
of The Nation magazine. For subscription information, call 1-800-333-
8536. Portions of each week’s Nation magazine can be accessed at
[Link].
The National Priorities Project Annual Report is available at
[Link].
Design: Radwell Communication by Design [Link]
Printing donated by Japs-Olson Company [Link]
 c e l e b r at i n g 25 years 19 8 3-2 00 8

an n ual rep o r t 2007

an n ual 200 8 r e port

Bringing the
Federal Budget Home

National Priorities Project

243 King Street, Suite 239
Northampton, MA 01060
413-584-9556
info@[Link]
[Link]

30