The number: 1 with 12 zero's behind it (1,000,000,000,000). That is how much our government has spent more than it has taken in this fiscal year, and we're not done yet! To get all of the details, CLICK HERE.

Chart of Annual Federal Deficit

Gov. O'Malley testified yesterday on Capitol Hill about the possibility of a another round of "stimulus" from the federal government. He stated that if the first round doesn't do the job, that he would be open to more money from Congress. With unemployment in Maryland at 7.2%, up from 5.4% just last year, O'Malley believes that more government spending could help the state.

All across the state, Taxpayer Tea Parties were happening on or around Independence Day. Thousands came out to have their voice heard and exchange ideas with other citizens frustrated with the wild growth of government.

Hot topics that were discussed by the speakers and the crowd included "Cap and Trade" and the possibility of government-run healthcare. AFP-Maryland had speakers at five of the Tea Parties and advocated against the so-called "public option" being proposed on Capitol Hill.

It seems that the proposed healthcare reform costs are much higher than originally thought. Senior White House advisor David Axelrod made the rounds on the Sunday talk shows and made it clear that President Obama would be willing to tax families making under $250,000/yr who receive private health plans from their employers. This proposed tax would run contrary to his promise made on the campaign trail.
You can read the article here.

The following is a listing of some "Taxpayer Tea Parties" on or around Independence Day:

Thursday, July 2nd
Baltimore - 5:00pm-8:00pm - FOR DETAILS CLICK HERE

Annapolis - 11:00am-2:00pm - FOR DETAILS CLICK HERE

Saturday, July 4th
Salisbury - Noon - FOR DETAILS CLICK HERE

Bel Air - 9:00am-Noon - FOR DETAILS CLICK HERE