WU Libraries Government, Etc.: Follow the Money!
Subject librarian: Barbara Rehkop
Office Hours: By Appointment
Email: brehkop@wustl.edu
Phone: 314/935-7465
Fax: 314/935-4919
Link to Main Government page
'Green Book'(latest official version)
Where?
- Paper copy at Olin Desk Ref (HC110.P63 B29 1998)
- Paper copy at GWB Social Work Library Reference (HC110 .P63 B29 2000)
- Go to latest working copy from the Ways and Means Committee
- Allows searching for keywords, bill numbers, subjects, sponsor, etc.
- Includes Congressional reports.
- Provides bill summaries and status.
- Can search through Congressional Record (verbatim transcript of congressional activity).
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance
Where? Why?
- Provides a description of all government domestic programs.
- Lists enabling legislation.
- Describes the mechanics of getting funded.
- Includes the names and addresses of program grant managers.
- Bibliography of appropriate federal regulations.
Government Accountability Office (GAO) Reports
Where?
- Formerly known as the General Accounting Office, Olin Library Government Publications (SuDocs number GA 1.13) has over 10,000 reports in paper and microfiche from 1980.
- Click for online fulltext access from 1994.
- Free copies are available upon request from the agency. Delivery takes 2 weeks.
In-depth studies of the efficiency, effectiveness, and cost-benefit analysis of government social programs.
Office of Management and Budget (OMB)Where?
- Olin Library Government Publications (SuDocs number PrEx 2) has many reports in paper and microfiche.
- Office of Management and Budget homepage
Like GAO, the agency examines the financial impact of legislation. OMB reports to the President.
U.S. Inspectors GeneralWhere?
Why?
The Inspector Generals are responsible for evaluating the performance of programs administered by their agencies. They make semiannual reports to Congress on their overall activity and publish numerous other reports. You can also compare Inspector General reports with those issued by the GAO.
Budget of the United StatesWhere?
- Current print edition is in the Olin Desk Reference collection (HJ 2051). Prior editions are in the general collection or in the Documents collection; consult the catalog.
- Latest Budget of the United States (online)
This is the budget as prepared by the Executive Branch. It generally does not detail the budget for each and every program, but it does give the overall picture of government spending and priorities.
Economic Report of the President
Where?
- Current print edition is the Olin Reference collection (HC106.5 .A272). Prior editions are in the general collectionor in the Documents collection; consult the catalog.
- Latest Economic Report of the President (online)
The Constitution requires the President to report information to Congress 'from time to time'. Today, we know these reports as the State of the Union Address and the Economic Report of the President.
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) RequestsWhere? Why?
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) was passed by Congress in 1966 and amended in 1974. FOIA creates procedures whereby any member of the public may obtain the records of the agencies of the federal government. Therefore, each agency has its own FOIA office.
Using the Freedom of Information Act, a Step-by-Step Guide (from the ACLU)
Non-Profit Organization ManagementWhere? Why?
Non-profit organizations reveal much about their sources of income and outlays through their IRS Form 990 filings. Guidestar (below) makes these filings available through their website.