December 16, 2025
Inspired by Rand Paul’s annual Festivus Report on wasteful government spending, Stossel in the Classroom is highlighting three different resources to help students think through the concept of government spending:
- ‘Tis the Season to Be Wasteful?
- This blog post calls on the spirit of Festivus to spotlight real examples of government waste, from quirky grants to big-budget projects that went off the rails. With discussion prompts, classroom activities, and connections to key SITC videos, you can help your students examine incentives, accountability, and tradeoffs. It’s an impactful way to turn headline-worthy waste into meaningful, inquiry-driven conversation.
- Blueprints, Budgets, and Broken Promises
- Government projects often spend big and deliver little, such as the $7 billion budget that delivered just seven EV charging stations over two years. [This video explores] how bureaucracy, political mandates, and misaligned incentives often lead to high costs, delays, and underwhelming results. The teacher’s guide includes prompts for discussion, classroom activities, and Milton Friedman’s thoughts on how people spend other people’s money.
- Catchy Tunes on the Cost of “Free”
- This musical lesson breaks down a concept students often miss: somebody always pays. Four music videos, in different genres, unpack the hidden costs of government programs, public services, and other benefits that might seem free. The accompanying activities help students consider who pays, who benefits, and what trade-offs come with “free.” It’s a great way to connect everyday experiences to questions about spending and incentives.
