Too many hands down on the farm? - government subsidies

0 Comments | Insight on the News, April 4, 1994 | by Russell Shaw

Espy says the reorganization would help the USDA to "better accomplish its missions, streamline its field service and improve service to its customers." Yet from the perspective of one who has waged similar battles, Block warns about the severity of the battle ahead.

"There are always seems to be more people - special interest groups, the media, politicians both in the administration and on Capitol Hill - who have a stake in preserving the status quo than are willing to fight tenaciously for meaningful change," Block says. "As the Clinton administration will find, government reform looks great on paper but frequently ends up irritating people who are important players in the Washington power structure. The reduction or elimination of federal programs may save money, but it has its own costs in terms of prestige and influence."