http://motherjones.com/po...harts-maps

Yup, we are number 8 out of ten for getting more out of DC than we send.

Discuss.

Mt has nearly 30% of its land mass owned by the federal govt.That means that we can only generate tax revenue from 70%of the property in Mt. In addition there is state and local govt lands. The privately held lands elgible for property taxes is closer to 50%. It costs a lot of money to run a state and the PILT money is to make up the difference.
While I would like to see our total tax burden reduced on both the state and federal level I understand the need for Mt to end up with more than they put in.

[This message has been edited by boxdmc (2/24/2012)]

*cough* *cough* BULLPOOP *cough* *cough*

Yup, we are number 8 out of ten for getting more out of DC than we send.

Umm... based on data that is half a decade old (2005). The article's theme is probably correct, but the approach seems a little disingenuous.

I am certain that we still get more back than we send in. The actual proportion may have changed but not that we benefit from federal largesse. For one thing, we are a BIG state with a small population and a whole lot of roads. Plus most of the federal lands requires employees to supervise and maintain. Where would Miles City without Fort Keogh?

I think there are some stats available at the Montana Associate of Counties (MACO) website that provide amounts, and I think they might be more recent. Haven't looked at them since last year, but it is a resource for accurate data if you are interested. Nope-- I don't have time right now...

The New World Order could fix all our problems.

This was a big topic in California. All the representatives ran on how they were going to bring home the cash. I don't feel sorry for the big cities though, without the "flyover states" they wouldn't have food to eat.