States do not pay one penny in taxes to the US government as this story suggests.  Federal taxes are paid by residents and businesses in states, but not by the states, so it is nonsense to say or suggest that the Federal government should kick back to states the same amount or a certain percentage of the amount paid by taxpayers.  Federal money spent in the individual states is based on many factors including Federal facilities and installations like military bases, contracts, projects and the number of residents in social programs, a.k.a. welfare.  Hawaii ranks 40 in population, but ranks 6 in return of taxes paid.  That could be because of military installations, the number of people depending on government handouts or a combination of both.