The problem here is more than just too-large government; it lies in how states spend their money. Massive public spending increases over the past decade in California, New Jersey, Illinois and New York have gone overwhelmingly into the pockets and pensions of public employees. It certainly has not flowed into such basic infrastructure as roads, bridges and ports that are needed to keep key industries competitive.
If only it were that simple......the migration to the warmer states did not just start in the last 5 years. Its been gaining momentum ever since the invention of the air conditioner. Warmer climates, huge financial incentives and cheaper taxes all have an impact. Is there corruption in NYC and Chicago? Of course. But there is corruption in Dallas and Houston as well.....especially Houston. SLC, Tampa, Charlotte etc are all new......NYC, Chicago, and Boston are old. Americans like new.
Having said that, blue state cities like MPLS, Seattle, Portland, Sacramento, San Diego, Madison, Denver, etc continue to experience solid in migration.
And you might not have noticed but places like NC and FLA are starting to turn an interesting shade of purple. ;-) |
