Suppose we have the following information for 2008: Potential output: $17 trillion Actual output: $16 trillion Actual Deficit: $ 500 billion Tax Rate: 15% What is the structural deficit in 2008

The structural budget in 2008 is $350 billion

Explanation:

Actual deficit = Government spending - Tax Revenue Collection

i.e Actual deficit = G-T

T = (Tax rate) (Actual output)

$500 billion = G - (0.15)($16 trillion)

$500 billion = G - 2400 billion

G =  $500 billion + 2400 billion

G =  $2900 billion

Thus, Government spending is $2900 billion

Structural deficit = G - T'

T' = (Tax rate)(Potential output)

T' = (0.15)(17000 billion)

T' = $2550 billion

Structural deficit = G - T'

Structural deficit = $2900 billion - $2550 billion

Structural deficit = $350 billion

Thus, the structural budget in 2008 is $350 billion

answer about 4-5 percent of the labor force is unemployed;