by Mattea Kramer (Get the Book)Kramer (senior research analyst, National Priorities Project) here provides an understandable explanation of federal spending and revenues. The text explains why readers should care about the federal budget and how it affects them. It also breaks down technical language, e.g., mandatory and discretionary spending and revenue sources; 13 spending categories; how Congress and presidential administrations prepare budgets; nominal versus real dollars; fiscal and calendar years; departments that influence the budget and their acronyms, e.g., OMB, GAO, CBO, and CRS; budget creation chronology, beginning with the president, House and Senate action, their subcommittees' proposed appropriations, House and Senate reconciliations, and final presidential signature. That "politics, economics, and lobbying add complications" seems an understatement. Also included is a how-to guide readers can use to lobby their representatives. VERDICT This book is worthwhile reading for all U.S. citizens, though it presents issues of spending and revenue rather uncritically given the current economic environment. Of particular value for high school and college teachers, the book contains several lesson plans, and many more can be accessed at nationalpriorities.org. With a foreword by Barbara Ehrenreich.-Joanne B. Conrad, SUNY at Geneseo. --Library Journal
