Every summer, millions of high school students like you hit the streets looking for employment. When the first check or pay stub comes in, many new workers are shocked to discover a large amount of their pay is missing. This is money that you earned that is automatically taken out by the government in the form of income taxes, social security and even Medicare. Taxes and other automatic deductions are, in essence, your contribution of money to keep the government running and its public services – such as roads, parks, public health, and the military – available. Finding a job for the first time can provide you with a window into how the system works. Have you ever held or are you going to get a summer job? What kind of work would be your optimal summer job? How will taxes and other withholdings affect you now and in the future? Will the minimum wage increase affect you? What do you think the effects will be on the community where you live?