I could not find a tax category. This idea is about income taxes.
We hear about studies and programs we hadn’t known the government funds. Why not put some programs in an optional fund that no money is placed in unless people choose them. I have very little knowledge about these things and how it all works. However, if our taxes only went to essential things like our military and then other things are chosen, then the people who want these things to be funded would have to sell the ideas to taxpayers.
I envision that some of our tax money we have to pay we could direct to our choices, but also, maybe we might feel generous and be willing to pay more taxes toward something we believe in.
This would be like the Biblical concept of tithes and offerings. Tithe is required - 10% of our pay, but offerings are optional. In Exodus 25 to 36, there’s a story of God asking for donations to build the sanctuary. People gave so much that in Exodus 36: 5-7, they had to make the people stop bringing donations. They had more than they needed.
I suspect that people would be generous when able and possibly every financial issue we face as a nation could be fixed by generosity. It would be so much better than paying taxes while powerless to choose what it is being spent on. As the Bible says - “God loves a cheerful giver.” Cheerful givers don’t feel like they’re being robbed.
Perhaps even Social Security could be saved this way. Let the people feel empowered to be part of the solution.