Federal government contributes millions to the Vernon County economy each year through variety of programs

Every year, the federal government spends large sums of money on a wide variety of programs in communities throughout the U.S., and last year was no exception. In 2002, the federal government spent about $1.9 trillion in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and other territories. This amounted to an 8 percent increase over dollars spent in 2001. Locally, about $137.3 million was spent in Vernon County, which was an increase of 3.6 percent over the amount spent in 2001. This information is contained in two reports that were released Tuesday by the Commerce Department's Census Bureau. The Consolidated Federal Funds Report for Fiscal Year 2002 covers benefits, subsidies, grants, goods and services and salaries and wages for state and county areas. A companion report, Federal Aid to States for Fiscal Year 2002 has information on federal grants to state and local governments. Of the $137.3 million, about $73.1 million, or 53.3 percent went for Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid payments. Nationally, these payments account for about 47 percent of the U.S. government's domestic spending. Other segments of the Vernon County economy receiving large portions of the money spent locally include: agricultural-related funds, $32.9 million; U.S. Postal Service $4.5 million; low and moderate income housing assistance, $2.8 million; educational related $2.1 million; food stamps, $1.67 million; Railroad Retirement, $1.25 million; temporary assistance for needy families (welfare), $743,000 and flood insurance, $219,000.