The public should be given more of a choice on how their tax dollars are spent. To that end, I propose that an individual have an option to direct up to 1% of their annual income taxes to a specific federal agency or program for use in the next fiscal year that cannot be cut or redirected by Congress in the budget writing process. Not only would that create a more democratic budget writing process with every American having a direct influence on budget choices, it would also foster greater awareness of federal government operations.
For example, if Joe Taxpayer is passionate about and values space exploration and his effective tax rate is 22% of his income, he could specify 1% of that amount to be directed towards the NASA budget. Or he might direct it towards paying the national debt.