Those of you interested in actuals relative to forcast numbers might want to take a look at the Congressional Budget Office’s Monthly Budget Review.
The budget deficit, larger than I want to see, is looking smaller and smaller. I don’t know that a balanced budget is better than a deficit. I’ve heard arguments both ways and really can draw no conclusion. I do want to see them separate Social Security from the general revenues. There was never a true balanced budget since these were merged back in the 1960s as a way to hide deficits.
I want to see spending reduced. And I don’t want increased spending to be called “reduced” simply because it is less than someone desires. Neither party has any interest in doing so because that’s how incumbents keep their jobs.