There were $130 billion in earmarks in the United States 2011 budget. That is about $1,100 per family household in the U.S. Where did all that money go? Mike Shedlock at the Global Economic Trend Analysis blog has posted some information visualizations using the Tableau software and data from Sunlight Foundation. Surprisingly, at least to me, the state in which I live received a good portion of that money.
While the maps can show which state received the most money, and which congressmen had the most earmarks, it does not tell you what the money was used for. For example, I would not be surprised if in 2006 there was a huge spike in earmarks for Louisiana after hurricanes Katrina and Rita. In that case, earmarks would have been a good use of money. Right now I am at a loss as to why Mississippi received so much money in earmarks in fiscal year 2011.
via : Interactive Map Showing Where $130 Billion in Earmarks Went, by State, District, and Politician
