The evolving storyline on the current congressional debate over the Farm Bill is one of partisanship running amok as Republicans and Democrats joust over dollars that go to their respective constituencies. But the numbers indicate the reality is a bit more complicated. …
The median agriculture subsidy for Romney counties is about 40% higher than the median for Obama counties. Still, the difference probably isn’t as great as many people imagine. …
However, an even bigger misconception about food stamps becomes clear when you look where those SNAP [Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program] beneficiaries are. … The top 10 counties for SNAP participation are not big cities at all but very small rural places like Shannon County, S.D., Perry County, Ala., and Owsley County, Ky. [cont.]
Dante Chinni, Wall Street Journal