"For every $5 that Boston's economy sends up to Beacon Hill, the state gives only $1 back to us"

This quote by Thomas Menino is describing the unequal circulation of funds in between the state of Massachusetts and the city of Boston. Menino is revealing his frustration with the state federal government, as he thinks that Boston is not receiving its fair share of the funds. He is mentioning that for every single 5 dollars that Boston's economy sends out up to Beacon Hill, the state government only sends out one dollar back to the city. This is an example of the state federal government not supplying sufficient resources to the city of Boston, which is a major economic center in the state. Menino is highlighting the need for the state government to provide more resources to the city of Boston in order to ensure its continued economic development and success.