I guess we are not doing too bad with our Federal Government exchange rate? Are we?

This of course is from 2005. I think it is because a lot of South Dakotans pay very little in Federal income taxes due to low wages and larger families.

By l3wis

7 thoughts on “Here’s a buck, now can I have $1.53 in change?”
  1. I always knew wealth redistribution was popular with South Dakotans.

    But really, how would a state with our population support two interstate highways? They’d be gravel roads if it was up to the state.

  2. On top of the Interstate highways, you need to factor in federal dollars directed towards the reservations. That tends to skew our numbers just a tad.

  3. Costner- Is that included though or a separate fund? I have always been curious. Do you know?

  4. Well a few years ago when this was discussed on the Argus, I recall it was considered to be included. However I suppose it depends on who is providing the numbers and their specific methodology.

    When I’ve seen detail, it was just a matter of taking all federal spending and determining where it went, so in that case it would be included. I can’t say about the numbers you cite however.

    BTW – I think Alaska moved into first place a few years ago and has remained there. So much for the fiscally conservative governor who bragged about refusing the bridge to nowhere, but yet kept the money for other state projects.

  5. That and all their oil revenue. I have a friend who lives by the University in Fairbanks, he told me they get a lot of Federal funds for atmospheric experiments. He says the weather can be pretty wacky sometimes when they are ‘experimenting’.

    As for the Rez, I wonder if the BIA distributes money that goes directly to the Rez like for healthcare, education, etc (they have a different education funding system) and if it is for roads and infrastructure that affects all South Dakotans or things we share with the Indians, that comes out of general spending.

  6. The biggest wealth transfer to South Dakota is via the Farm Bill. McCain, who opposed the Farm Bill (and most Farm Bills) had the undying support of South Dakota republicans and won the state. Too bad that those who voted for him couldn’t get what they wished for – no Farm Bill, no ethanol support, no new GI Bill. South Dakota would have to really become self-reliant – instead of whine about it.

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