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I read a reference about some states being donor states and others being subsidized states which intrigued me. From my years with the Federal Highway Administration, I knew that some states paid more into the federal gas tax funds than they got back. We called these donor states. This latest reference was to states that were donors in total federal taxes and didnt get back as much money as they contributed to the Federal Government. This was the first time I knew someone was keeping the books on ALL federal receipts and expenditures by state. There are 31 subsidized states that receive back more dollars per capita from the Federal Government than they send to it. Of the 20 states receiving the most dollars per capita from the federal government, 17 voted for Bush. Of the 12 states which receive the least dollars per capita from the Federal Government, none voted for Bush. The middle group of 18 states split 11 for Bush and 7 for Gore. On the other hand, why are citizens of those donor states receiving
back less federal funds per capita then they contribute more likely to support Democrats
and greater Federal Government? You would
think it would be just the reverse. Perhaps
people in donor states might think they would benefit if more federal money was spread
around. On the other hand, perhaps people who
contribute more to the greater good are just more generous to start with. Looking over tables like this provides a better perspective when
other subjects are discussed. Ill no
longer be mislead by the image of the Independent Westerner or the Poor Southerner when
government subsidies are discussed. Theres something for everyone is the Statistical Abstract of the United States. The numbers in its thirty sections paint a picture of everything from population through health, education, banking, crime and agriculture to environment. Its at the library if youre interested.
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