10 October 2007

Is W.Va. First In Something Good?

Opinions will vary on the question, but new Census Bureau figures show West Virginia paid the least among the states in federal taxes, at $3,015 per person, The Associated Press reports.

The national average was $7,652 per person.

The AP's analysis of the data also shows that the Mountain State received $2.94 in federal spending for every tax dollar it sent to Washington in 2005. Only two states, New Mexico and Mississippi, saw a greater return.

West Virginia also fared particularly well in this category when compared to some of its neighbors.

From the AP story:

"The Census Bureau released its annual report on 2005 spending by the federal government Tuesday. It documents the geographic distribution of $2.3 trillion in government spending, including salaries, grants, military pay, government contracts and Social Security payments. It excludes interest on the national debt, overseas spending and the classified budgets of intelligence agencies.

The AP compared the census data to previously released IRS figures for 2005 federal tax collections. The IRS data includes individual, corporate and excise taxes.

The analysis shows that wealthy states pay more than poor ones, blue states subsidize red states, and states with powerful politicians on key House and Senate committees fare well in federal spending."

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I think it just means West Virginia is poor. Not to burst your bubble or anything. Mississippi is the only state poorer than WV and they're one of 2 states that got a greater return. So y'all don't pay taxes and you get lots of money from the federal government. Doesn't sound like something to be proud of.

Anonymous said...

Laying back getting hand-outs, it's the Democratic way! Being on the dole is not positive and nothing to be proud of.