Inside America: Before the midterms, the election campaign is raging with the checkbook

New York. You can't get much for $100 in New York. Dinner for two in a restaurant is hardly possible. The only way to get a taxi to the airport is to save money on tips. I was still happy when the postman stuck a small amount of cash between the bars on my front door: a check from the New York tax authority, with kind words of greeting from Governor Kathy Hochul.

It was delivered a few weeks before the election in which Hochul wants to be re-elected. Pure logistics, assures the Democrat's office. The tax authorities only have time in the fall. In total, New York distributes a billion dollars to 8.2 million households. Depending on their income and tax status, they receive $100 to $200, officially as relief from high energy costs.