Gets more than it pays in taxes. "Alaska has been masterful in having the federal government send billions, while it gives its own tax revenues directly to its citizens. While Alaska could afford to pay for its bridges to nowhere (Palin approved!), it would rather have the rest of the 49 states shoulder the cost..." Country first? Smaller government? Lower federal taxes? They'll take all of yours they can get!
Alaska is, in essence, an adjunct member of OPEC. It has four different taxes on oil, which produce more than 89% of the state's unrestricted revenue. On average, three-quarters of the value of a barrel of oil is taken by the state government before that oil is permitted to leave the state. Alaska residents each get a yearly check for about $2,000 from oil revenues, plus an additional $1,200 pushed through by Palin last year to take advantage of rising oil prices. Any sympathy the governor of Alaska expresses for folks in the lower 48 who are suffering from high gas prices or can't afford to heat their homes is strictly crocodile tears.
Alaska also ranks No. 1, year after year, in money it sucks in from Washington. In 2005 (the most recent figures), 18th in federal taxes paid per resident ($5,434) but first in federal spending received per resident ($13,950) in the absolute amount it receives from Washington over and above the amount it sends to Washington, Alaska ranks No. 1.
|
No comments:
Post a Comment