if retiree benefits were frozen what would happen to total expenditures
If retiree benefits were frozen, it would depend on the specific context and the type of retiree benefits being discussed. However, generally speaking, freezing retiree benefits means that they would no longer be adjusted or increased over time.
In terms of total expenditures, freezing retiree benefits could potentially reduce them in the short term. This is because without any adjustments or increases, the cost of providing retiree benefits would remain fixed, resulting in lower overall expenditures.
However, it's important to note that the impact on total expenditures would also depend on the rate of inflation and other factors that affect the cost of providing retiree benefits. If the cost of living continues to rise due to inflation or other factors, freezing retiree benefits may eventually lead to higher overall expenditures in the long run, as the fixed benefit becomes less adequate over time.
To accurately determine the exact impact on total expenditures, one would need to consider various factors such as the current expenditure levels, the number of retirees, the specific benefit programs and their rules, and the projected changes in the cost of living. Conducting a thorough analysis and considering the specific context would provide a more precise answer.