If we compared the size of government by European rules (i.e., if the expenditure would be paid for by the government in Europe, then it is a government expenditure, even if it is paid for privately in the US), we would be even larger. Some work (below) from about 10 years ago making the point using OECD data. This is a more expansive definition than using the 8 percent of GDP that make up tax expenditures (by counting all of the expenditures on education, health, and social welfare).
Thanks so much for recommending Aging in America. Now, we can get "rich" together!! Phil Moeller
If we compared the size of government by European rules (i.e., if the expenditure would be paid for by the government in Europe, then it is a government expenditure, even if it is paid for privately in the US), we would be even larger. Some work (below) from about 10 years ago making the point using OECD data. This is a more expansive definition than using the 8 percent of GDP that make up tax expenditures (by counting all of the expenditures on education, health, and social welfare).
https://www.piie.com/sites/default/files/publications/pb/pb15-4.pdf
Socialist tastes + LDC revenue streams = ?