We all know that the southern states like to take a hard line on families that fall on hard times and turn to the government for support. Their payments for TANF and other benefits for low income families are far below the national average. But, if you're a homeowner and live near the coast in Florida, the government is much more generous in dishing out money. The Washington Post reports that Florida has opted to subsidize the insurance for this group, because the private sector would charge exorbitant fees (presumably reflecting the actual risk). It would have been helpful if this article discussed the dollars and cents a bit more. Specifically, how much money are hardworking Floridians paying to subsidize the mostly wealthy people living in coastal areas, who apparently lack the ability to make it on their own.
--Dean Baker
