According to 2020 Census data, almost a half-million citizens bailed on New York State, fleeing to “free” states. New York was rated as the “least free” of all 50 States by the Frasier Institute, a Canadian public policy think-tank and registered charity. While New York has been rated dead-last since 2000, this year California, West Virginia, Alaska, and Vermont round out the bottom five as the least free and most restrictive states in the Union.
The Frasier Institute’s Annual Economic Freedom of North America Report reviews over 23 different areas of personal and economic freedoms for the 92 provincial/state governments in Canada, the United States, and Mexico. It is embarrassing enough that New York came in dead last in the United States. Even worse is that New York State was ranked below most provinces and states in Canada and Mexico!
For decades, New Yorkers have been burdened by high taxes, wasteful government spending, high cost of living, restrained economic opportunities hindered by unreasonable regulation, and increasing crime with law enforcement agencies neutered by progressive policies that lack common sense. Is it any wonder New Yorkers are leaving in droves??
On the other hand, Florida was ranked the “freest” state in the Country, with New Hampshire, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia rounding out the top five. Each of these states were ranked highest for lower tax rates, smaller government, highest labor market freedoms, and superior standards of living. In fact, the report complemented Florida on, “It’s copious opportunities afforded by Florida’s freer society.”
Among those groups who’ve seen their personal liberties infringed upon are builders, affordable housing buyers, entrepreneurs, aspiring professionals who want to ply a trade without “onerous examinations and educational costs,” smokers, law-abiding gun enthusiasts, and less-skilled workers who have been “priced out of the market by minimum wage laws.”
You would think our politicians would be motivated to change New York’s embarrassing ranking. I’m not optimistic this will happen any time soon. For now, the progressive agenda of Albany politicians will continue to chase away New Yorkers for greener pastures.
__
Warren Goldberg is President of Mortgage Wealth Advisors, a Certified Mortgage Planning Specialist®, and a published author. His interviews include Blog-Talk Radio, Newsday, The Daily News, Anton Press, and the Long Island Herald. Since 1992, he’s been sharing his financial knowledge and wealth-building strategies, including how to properly use your mortgage as a financial tool. His clients regularly express their trust and appreciation by recommending friends and family call when in need of mortgage, real estate, and financial guidance.
Leave a Reply