Back in 2019, still in the Trump storm, we reported on how New York State – and others, like California – get screwed in Washington. Wealth piled up in populous states – where a lot of people actually chose to live – is taxed and, then, dispensed like candy to empty states where the political balance makes a joke of democracy. A new report in The Center Square shows that Congress continues to fail us.

What the US Military Spends in New York

• Samuel Stebbins, 24/7 Wall St. via The Center Square
• Jul 5, 2022
• Republished: The Roosevelt Island Daily News

The U.S. military budget is the largest in the world, and by a wide margin. The Biden administration recently submitted a defense budget of $773 billion for fiscal 2023 – which is more than the combined budgets of the next 10 highest-spending countries combined.

While the size of the defense budget, and exactly how and where all that money should be spent, will be an enduring source of political controversy, the defense spending is a boon for local economies across the United States.

According to a recent report, the Department of Defense spent $593.9 billion on contracting and personnel in the 50 states and D.C. in fiscal 2020. This money went to defense contractors that manufacture aircraft, ships, and weapons, in addition to service providers, research and development, as well as wages for active-duty service members, civilians, and reservists.

This spending, of course, is not spread evenly, and states that are home to large military bases and contractor operations receive more funds than states where the military and defense industry have a smaller footprint.

The DoD spent a reported $12.8 billion in New York in fiscal 2020, or about 2.2% of its total domestic spending, the 15th highest share among the 50 states. Of that money, payroll accounted for about 22% while about 78% went to contractors.

The overall economic impact of defense spending in the state is lower than average, as annual military spending is equal to about 0.7% of New York’s overall GDP, compared to the 2.8% national average. On a per capita basis, defense spending in New York is equal to about $662 per person, the ninth least among states.

All data in this story is from the Department of Defense report Defense Spending By State Fiscal Year 2020.

More from The roosevelt island daily news

• 
  IN OUR CITY HALL: Mayor Mamdani’s Bold Push to Tax the Wealthy and Close New York City’s Budget GapJanuary 28, 2026
  Friends, today brings big news from City Hall that’s sure to spark conversation across our five boroughs. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is stepping up with a major proposal to raise taxes on the city’s wealthiest residents and businesses…
• 
  New York City Takes on the “Bathroom Crisis” With a Big New PushJanuary 13, 2026
  By Ericka O’Connell, Roosevelt Island Daily Friends, if you’ve ever wandered the city and found yourself desperately searching for a place to go, you’re not alone. Public bathroom access in New York City has long been a real challenge for…
• 
  Roosevelt Island Spotlight: Julie Menin Takes the Helm as New York City Council SpeakerJanuary 12, 2026
  By Ericka O’Connell, Roosevelt Island Daily Hello friends! Big news out of City Hall that touches our neighborhoods from the Upper East Side to Roosevelt Island. Julie Menin, who represents our area on the City Council, has been elected Speaker…
• 
  Mayor Mamdani’s First Executive Orders: What They Could Mean for Roosevelt IslandJanuary 6, 2026
  By Ericka O’Connell, Roosevelt Island Daily Hello, neighbors. A new mayoral administration always brings a moment of pause and possibility. This week, Mayor Zohran Mamdani officially began his tenure at City Hall and wasted no time making his mark, signing…
• 
  Zohran Mamdani’s Historic Inauguration: What New Yorkers Need to KnowDecember 30, 2025
  By Ericka O’Connell, Roosevelt Island Daily Hello, friends! As we turn the calendar to 2026, New York City is about to welcome a historic new leader. Zohran Mamdani, the city’s mayor‑elect, is preparing for his swearing‑in, and excitement is building…

Featured

Lance A. Polivy, Vice President for Legal Affairs

Before RIOC votes, residents deserve to know what happened to the promised search, what conflicts were reviewed, and who will be protected when the next negotiation begins.

Eleanor Rivers May 12, 2026

I do not usually write ahead of the week’s rhythm. Fridays suit an old woman. They allow time for tea, rereading, and the small mercy of correcting one’s own excessive cleverness. But this cannot wait for Friday.

Uncover the Story →