More than anything it's the simple result of Americans growing older, a fact of life we haven't come to grips with politically.
The article from Governing.com discusses how rural counties in the U.S., particularly those that heavily supported Donald Trump in the 2020 election, are significantly dependent on federal funding. Despite their political leanings towards less government intervention, these counties receive a substantial portion of their revenue from federal sources, including grants, payments in lieu of taxes, and other federal aid. This dependency is highlighted by the fact that many of these counties have economies that are not self-sustaining, relying on federal dollars for public services, infrastructure, and economic development. The article points out the irony and complexity of this situation, where areas that advocate for reduced federal spending and government size are, in fact, propped up by federal funds. This reliance is often due to limited local tax bases, high poverty rates, and the presence of federal lands which do not contribute to local tax revenues.
Politics & Government
Wed, December 18, 2024 
