Which states use the most federal aid? The federal government grants billions of dollars to state and local governments. These grants comprise a sizable portion of these smaller governments’ budgets. The federal government provided almost $1.3 trillion in grants to state and local governments in 2021, an increase of over $400 billion since 2019. California received the most from the federal government, $162.9 billion, followed by New York ($110.2 billion), Texas ($105.8 billion), Florida ($58.8 billion), and Pennsylvania ($57.1 billion).

Alaska received the most per person, about $8,628, which was 26.5% more than the second-highest state, Rhode Island (receiving $6,821 per person). Florida received the least per person, about $2,693. Proportionally, however, Montana relied on federal funding the most, with 31.8% of the state’s budget coming from federal funds. New Mexico followed (30.7%), then Kentucky (30.1%), Louisiana (29.8%), and Alaska (29.0%). Vermont received over $4.9 billion in federal grants in 2020 and 2021. But federal grants comprised 12.8% of its total budget in 2021, the smallest percentage of any state. Federal funding to state and local governments fell by 23.2% between 2021 and 2023 but was higher than pre-pandemic levels. Learn more about where your state falls with these maps and charts.

Athlete of the Week and Team of the Week:

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Pancakes or Waffles!  We feature top area athletes with our world-renowned feature. Send us your nominations for who you’d like us to interview HERE

College Athlete Roundup! We want to recognize student-athletes from the area who are competing at the college level. Send us information on college athletes from the area with our simple form HERE

Where are they Now? We feature athletes and difference makers from the past, standouts in sports who excelled over the years and have moved on. Know of a former athlete, coach, or difference maker who we should feature? Know of a former standout competitor whose journey beyond central Wisconsin sports is one we should share? Send us information on athletes and difference makers of the past with our simple form HERE

Baked or Fried! We also feature difference makers throughout central Wisconsin: coaches, booster club leaders, administration, volunteers, you name it. Send us your nominations for who you’d like us to interview HERE