A few years ago, there were FR discussions about how the fed govt was going to have to start hiring people because so many were reaching retirement age. I believe that is a big part of this growth.
If it were replacing the aging workforce, then the number of employees should remain un-changed.
The FACT is that the Unions have infiltrated the public employee arena, and hiring more friends and laundering MORE Dues to the Progressive Cause is why the government employment is rising. The government produces nothing, spends money of people who haven't even been born yet, and pays themselves exhorbitant wages and benefits.
A 50% across-the-board reduction in government would not affect the Constitutional duties that are required to be performed, at all. The un-Constitutional duties, regulations, oversight, and handouts are the reason we are in the toilet with the Economy.