Year after year, with rare exceptions, we observe the federal government spending more than it takes in. Yearly budget deficits are the routine and the national debt keeps increasing. As I write this, there is no agreement about the terms by which the debt ceiling will be raised.

The fearmongering about a government shutdown is starting once again. Speculation about raising taxes is again rearing its head, despite past data showing that tax cuts generate more revenue to the federal government than tax hikes. People are fleeing high tax states like California, Illinois and New York. Wonder why! We know all too well that this impacts all of us. It is our money, and our collective debt.

To learn more about the federal budget and what to expect for the near term and long term, the Thursday, May 18, 6:30 p.m. meeting of Fountain Hills AZ Tea Party at the Fountain Hills Community Center will have U.S. Congressman David Schweikert as our special guest. Congressman Schweikert will provide a detailed discussion about the budget, the debt, the mandatory spending, etc. Anyone interested in this important subject is invited to attend the meeting. Admission is free but donations are gratefully accepted. Please take advantage of this opportunity to listen, learn and be informed.