It is a whole industry unto itself - something never even dreamed of when this country was founded. Here in NJ, it devours at least 2/3 of our highest-in-the-nation property taxes.
There is a reason Republicans wanted the SALT limits in the new tax code; socialist areas were basically subsidizing their programs with potential federal income tax dollars. That is also why the left was enraged by the limits.
Happened to be driving through Perth Amboy a few months ago. I remember back in the day it was thriving with working people. Now its teeming with government largesse recipients.
I imagine the same is true most NJ cities, gentrifications aside.