The figures i am referring to came from the federal govt. I didnt look into everything but yes farm subsidies are included as are all other subsidies. Defence spending for services and goods is not. Tax refunds and rebates etc are not covered under aid but are taken off because it means less tax is paid in.Please define what aid you are talking about. All of the studies I have seen on this, also include personal income tax rebates and such.
Keeping in mind, all of these 'aids' are outlined by the fed. All the states are just following the same rules and the demographics and income levels fall where they may.
If we did a small flat fed tax with zero rebates, that would make a ton of sense to me. But lets face it...it can never be 'fair'. CT and MA get trillions in military spending with defense contractors and it keeps a great deal of their economy floating. Midwest states get massive amounts of farm subsidies that keeps things going. The list goes on and on for every state. The fed wants it this way because then they can control local government by holding big piles of money over their heads when big votes come up. It is legal bribery.
We all know how states get into trouble these days. Too much spending on entitlement programs. It is always that obvious.