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Two government budget practices that can have significant implications for lower levels of government are block grants and unfunded mandates.

At the federal level, there are two categories of budgetary expenditures: entitlement and discretionary spending.

One indicator of smart fiscal practices is maintaining balance between spending and revenues. Occasionally deficits may be necessary.

Under the U.S. Constitution, people are entitled to compensation when a government takes their property. This is known as a taking.

Telecommunications and utility services are essential to health, safety, and economic welfare. These services must be reliable, safe, and affordable.

Credit histories and loan records are tools traditionally used by lenders to decide whether to give consumers credit.

All consumers should receive service that meets their daily needs at a reasonable price. The rates for these services should be fair, reasonable, and affordable.

Rapid changes in technology have made protecting consumer privacy increasingly challenging.

Most states and the District of Columbia have established utility consumer advocate offices.

Commissions that regulate utility services have a huge effect on the lives of consumers. Few other government agencies compare.