CBO's budget analysts prepare the agency’s projections of federal spending and revenues, analyze the President’s annual budget proposals, and estimate the effects of legislative proposals on the federal budget (and sometimes on state and local governments and on the private sector). The agency’s budget analysts user their understanding of government programs, the federal budget, available data, and empirical evidence to build models and form estimates of the effects of current and proposed public policies. They work closely with Congressional staff in a fast-paced environment where both timeliness and accuracy are vital. Most of CBO’s budget analysts have a master’s degree in public policy, public administration, economics, or a related field.