If you look at things that really affect people's lives - sport the arts charities - they were always at the back of the queue for government money - health social security defence pensions were all way ahead. And each of those areas - sports the arts the lottery - got relatively petty cash from the government.
Among the weeds choking out growth and good government are the hundreds of boards commissions and advisory committees that have sprouted over the years. They devour time money and energy far beyond any real contribution they make.