• In 1998, Illinois received a total of $55.5 billion in Federal dollars, or $4,605 per capita, far less that the national average per capita of $5,249 and low enough to rank Illinois 45th among the states.
• Illinois residents paid a total of $84.3 billion in taxes, or $6,997 per capita - substantially above the national average of $5,994 per person and fifth-highest in the country.  This is largely the result of Illinois having among the highest average incomes.
• Illinois gets back only 75 cents from the Federal government for every dollar that is paid. (FY98)
• The large gap between higher-than-average taxes and lower-than-average federal outlays is a years-long trend for Illinois, as well as much of the Midwest.  Between 1983 and 1998, Illinois' ranking in this context bounced between 46th and 49th.
• Illinois' national ranking on the balance of payments compared to other states, moved up to 45th for FY98, the highest it has been for any year since these figures were put together.
• Federal spending is largely determined by long-term factors that cannot be easily or quickly changed by Congress.  Changing demographics, lack of military installations and federal facilities contribute to fewer federal dollars coming to Illinois.
• Governor Ryan has made a strong commitment increasing the amount of federal dollars Illinois received and is working with the Illinois Congressional delegation to ensure that Illinois receives a greater share of federal funds.

Source:  Northwest-Midwest Institute