According to this graph, in which year did the U.S. government first achieve a budget surplus? 1994 2002 1996 1998

In 1998, the U.S. government achieved a significant milestone by first reporting a budget surplus in years after consistent deficits. This economic turnaround was largely attributed to factors such as increased tax revenues from a booming economy and decreased spending, contributing to a healthy fiscal environment. As a fun fact, the government’s budget surplus in the late '90s was so remarkable that it made headlines and sparked discussions about potential debt repayment strategies and what the future might hold for the economy. It was a time of optimism, showcasing how economic policy and market conditions can align to produce favorable outcomes.