University of Denver - Kynewisbok Yearbook (Denver, CO)

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Reagan Budget: 82 Dilemma he major plitical and T economic battle of 1982 took place in the halls of Congress as legislators in part debated, re- jected, accepted, and manicured the components of President Ronald Reaganls fiscal offering. The budget battle revolved largely around what has become the conservative dilem- ma of the early 1980s: how does one decrease taxes, increase defense spending, and end up with a balanc- ed budget? President Reagan,s first step was to cut social spending from obscure job programs to social security. Generally, the President arose the victor after the budget battle of 1982, despite the sacrifice of measures which would have toughened abortion laws, permitted voluntary prayer in public schools, and placed limitations on busing for the purpose of desegregation. A constitutional amendment which would have required a balanced federal budget was also lost, and a bill providing tax credits for private school tuitions was deemed a back- burner issue. President Reaganls successes were numerous. His spending cuts affect- ing welfare, food stamps, health, veterans, agriculture, and federal retirement programs amount to a reduction of 28.4 billion dollars over 3 years. Federal revenue was increased by 98 billion dollars over 3 years through the establishment of more excise taxes and the elimina- tion of some tax lopholes. The Presidentls veto of a program which would have provided 3 billion dollars in emergency housing aid was sustained. In the area of defense, a resolution providing for a nuclear weapons freeze was defeated and the Reagan ad- ministration increased its underground nuclear testing budget by 59 percent. The flood of controversy over the budget left many issues unresolved. Bills involving reform of immigra- tion policy, the use of the insanity defense in criminal trials, a billion- dollar job-creation program, and a bill designed to strengthen the American auto industry all face uncertain futures. While many portions of the 1982 budget escaped the scrutiny of the press and the public, the glaring ef- fects of the cuts in social spending were felt by many University of Denver students who found less federal money available to help them through school. This, coupled with high unemployment rates in many areas, amounted to a decrease in enrollment and the absence of many upperclassmen who were financially unable to return to school. Despite the signs that our economy is improving, the devastating effect which spending cuts have had on students ability to continue their education serves as a monument to the state of the economy which no one is proud of. Americas favorite pasttime had seen a change in the fall of 1982. In- stead of settling down with beer and pretzels in front of the TV to cheer on their favorite football teams, many Americans grabbed a Coke and cookies and settled for reruns of 81 Love Lucy. For upwards of twenty weeks the National Football League was on strike. While team members, coaches and owners negotiated to no agreeable ene, muscles became unused and fans lost interest. When finally the first post-strike games were played, fans were disappointed to see unnecessary fumbles and bad plays, and many decided they had better things to do. Super bowl XVII this year did not have as big a build- up as in years before. The Denver Broncos ended their nine-game season with only 2 wins and 7 losses. And Denver fans wonder, would their team have done better if the season hadn't llstruck out. ' Be Debhakam Season ,82 Fumbles Be Debhakam

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.aeg Kale l l4 vital 'h enverls skyline is rapidly Changing with skeletons 0f skyscrapers being built, the appearance of the new 16th Street Mall, and plans in mind for a huge hoteltconven- tion center complex all to revitalize the image of Denver to attract new businesses and residents. Denver h become, in the ey : many across the na: tion, the place to be if;g you re young and ; aspiring in business at? til think Denver wfll' w continue to be a succesSul v City for growth, said . president of the Denver Ci-b 1 ; 1y Council, Cathy i Donahue. Although Donahue sees a building slowdown at present, she l feels it will pick up. Donahue ClICS several of Denver's shortcomings as not planning for growth sand poor planning for transportation and sees the need for the City govern- ment to become more et- feetive. She praises Denver culture saying, HWe have a very healthy cultural at- mosphere in the city of Denver. Museums and the symphony which are con- sidered private organizae lions continue to do well in drawing people 10 the city? Donahue believes that inner City living in the uture will become stronger as Denver works 6 iii: hardei at building afford- ablewhousing m the inner City for the average Work- wing person; v 1 Simikii V X: i I . 533$ :3 3,. glint; ; 3X