As of the end of 2023, the typical U.S. worker could afford the same goods and services as in 2019, prior to the pandemic, and had an additional $1,400 to spend or save per year, according to a January analysis by Treasury officials.
Demar Byas of Pontiac, Michigan referred to experts touting the nation’s economic performance as a “slap in the face.”
“You’re celebrating these numbers, but we are struggling,” said Byas, who juggles several jobs to make ends meet. “It’s no relief in sight, and just say those numbers and to celebrate that, and as I said stuff becomes a slap in the face.”
Politicians lie to get elected all the time. Civil servants and public officials, not so much. It’s not usually in their interest to do so. Accurate data is more useful than propaganda in those roles.
Yes, there are millions and billions washing around in government. They are literally entrenched the finances and well-being of hundreds of millions of people. Millions missing is a rounding error.
It’s the same with large companies. Millions go wasted and millions go on products that never see the light of day. So long as most is useful and it’s used responsibly, it’s money well spent.