Business

These Are the ‘Least’ & ‘Most’ Business-Friendly States in the U.S.

The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting entrepreneurship, and Thumbtack.com have released a study ranking the “least” and “most” business-friendly states in the U.S.

Idaho, Texas, Oklahoma, and Utah all scored A+’s for their treatment of small business while California, Hawaii, Vermont, and Rhode Island received F’s.

Massachusetts, Michigan, Connecticut, and New York all scraped by with D’s.

These Are Least & Most Business Friendly States in The U.S.I got a D! I’m going to graduate!

“Six thousand small business owners have told an unusually nuanced story about what they value in their local government,” said Sander Daniels, co-founder of Thumbtack.com., according to the Kauffman Foundation’s press release.

The study’s conclusions are based on data collected from over 7,000 respondents, 6,022 of whom answered questions regarding demographics and the economic health of small business in their state, according to the survey’s methodology.

However, it should be noted that although more than 6,000 small businesses in Thumbtack’s database of 275,000 members responded to the survey, the ranking excluded Alaska, North Dakota, South Dakota, West Virginia and Wyoming because they received fewer than 10 respondents, according to CNN Money.

Here are a few of the categories survey respondents were asked to rank:

  • Overall small business friendliness
  • Ease of starting a small business
  • Cost of hiring a new employee
  • Overall regulatory friendliness
  • Friendliness of health and safety regulations
  • Friendliness of employment, labor, and hiring regulations
  • Friendliness of tax code
  • Friendliness of licensing regulations

What were some of the major findings of the “business-friendly” study?

For starters, Texas has three of the five highest ranked cities on the list (Dallas-Fort Worth, San Antonio, and Austin) while California has three of the lowest rated (Los Angeles, San Diego, and Sacramento).

Furthermore, and perhaps a little more surprising, many small businesses owners said licensing laws were “nearly twice as important as tax rates in determining overall business-friendliness.” This is interesting considering that the Institute for Justice has just released a report, titled “License to Work: A National Study of Burdens from Occupational,” that argues occupational licensing requirements are an oftentimes unnecessary, unreasonable, and costly burden on workers and business owners.

“Although Texas and Idaho clearly come out on top as the nation’s friendliest states towards small business, entrepreneurs value a lot more than just low tax rates. Easy-to-understand licensing regulations and well-publicized training programs are critical tools necessary to support small business,” Daniels said.

These Are Least & Most Business Friendly States in The U.S.States ranked A+ through F.

But perhaps more important than the demographic information is the fact that the Kauffman/Thumbtack study comes with some interesting political implications.

“Asking entrepreneurs to rank state friendliness to their businesses is a powerful resource for helping policymakers understand the needs of business owners and for helping aspiring founders understand the full dimensions of their business environment,” said Dane Stangler, director of research at the Kauffman Foundation.

Click here to see Thumbtack’s interactive map.

This story has been updated.

Comments (131)

1 2 3
  • RayOne
    Posted on May 8, 2012 at 11:31pm

    States between CA & NY/MA need to protect themselves from the failed planning and predictable rollover when the people of those states opt for failure.

    Report Post » RayOne  
    • TheEDGE
      Posted on May 9, 2012 at 1:13am

      Predictable? Inevitable! This will happen. We are an earthquake or a riot away from needing a bailout in California!

      Report Post » TheEDGE  
    • Shiroi Raion
      Posted on May 9, 2012 at 7:05am

      No surprise. The Conservative states are doing best and mostly Democrat states are doing the worst. Vermont, run by an all out Socialist is doing HORRIBLY. My state has a B. It certainly feels much worse than that. Maybe it’s just the city. Our city council has been run by Democrats since my family moved here. There are vacant stores and office buildings, [FOR LEASE] signs blanketing the city. Meanwhile, the council continues wasting money on such things as “repairing” roads that are in excellent condition and building new government buildings and letting their old buildings remain vacant. You know… the typical Dumbocratic Keynesian behavior.

      Report Post » Shiroi Raion  
    • MONICNE
      Posted on May 9, 2012 at 9:44am

      The secret to making money is not education, as much as it is relocation!

      This is actually a very accurate rendition of the business opportunity development situation, and the article briefly covers why the wealthiest entrepreneurs are flooding into the A to C opportunity states, a natural business migration pattern, all part of the “circle of life.”

      When describing opportunity in the late 1800′s they used to say, “Go west, young man.” this meant that the agricultural South and manufacturing North were saturated with establishment.

      TEA

      Report Post » MONICNE  
    • Dahart
      Posted on May 9, 2012 at 9:46am

      Little off topic here but have question…..
      There is good chance we have to relocate to Kentucky anyone have any thoughts or opinions on the state?

      Report Post » Dahart  
    • Walkabout
      Posted on May 9, 2012 at 10:27am

      Monicne

      I find it interesting that a self described sheila spends so much time worrying about American politics.
      There is so much wrong with Australian. Like an Australian couple retirees buys a small bungalow hundred yards or further form the beach & their property is promptly condemned by “the local council” because of global warming. The property may be under water in 100 years in a worst case scenario & the council is CONCERNED. If you are really a shiela, you are a very bigoted one.

      I have read how the whole union thing splays out. It is like Santayana said “Those who do not know history are doomed to repeat it” In the Middle ages guilds were established to defend guild members. In the end the richer guild members started preying on the poorer guild members. the same will happen with the unions. ENJOY! TEA?

      Report Post »  
    • AvengerK
      Posted on May 9, 2012 at 10:39am

      California in particular has seen an exodus of businesses from the state. High, punitive taxes and coddling of the unions has priced these businesses out of California. Along with this flight comes the fact that less jobs are available to the established workforce.. and perhaps more importantly..new people into the work force. I’ve seen Nevada airing commercials in California telling businesses to come over to neighbouring Nevada. And of course what’s been Gov. Jerry Moonbeam Brown’s (D) answer? More taxes and union coddling…while California mires itself in unfunded debt. California seems to have chosen a more “Hellenistic” approach to governance and we’ve seen where the Greeks are today.

      Report Post »  
    • AvengerK
      Posted on May 9, 2012 at 10:47am

      WALKABOUT…MOREACNE/SLEAZY HIPPO isn’t Aussie. She’s an American leftist doing the job Media Matters pays the idiot to do. As part of this “job” MOREACNE has taken it upon him/herself to create numerous screennames at the Blaze and post as different individuals. Yeah I know..creepy.
      It‘s funny that you mocked the idiot’s “TEA” tagline because that’s what gave the fool away after he/she put it at the end of one his/her other persona’s post forgetting she/he wasn’t posting as MOREACNE at the time.
      Oh and MOREACNE also believes that Aussies and other immigrants who emigrate to the U.S. and become U.S. citizens are parasites. I’ve asked the pair of clownshoes why she/he believes that they’re parasites….she/he has offered nothing but bait and deflections (as usual) instead of answering for her/his own words. There you have MOREACNE..a creepy lefty troll who came here to mock and disrupt the Blaze and ended up becoming a laughingstock.

      Report Post »  
    • MONICNE
      Posted on May 9, 2012 at 11:17am

      @Walkabout says: “I find it interesting that a self described sheila spends so much time worrying about American politics.”

      This comment should be directed to the fauxpatriate AvenueNJerK! LOL

      As I explained to you before I am 100% American, but I am learning that folks from your continent do not understand American English very well. So please consider me an old chick, instead.

      Also, the self-proclaimed Australia deserter made a big fuss about the term sheila, claiming it was anachronistic and not usable by Australian folks. Who is correct, you or he?

      TEA (as used by various posters since the Blaze was established)

      Report Post » MONICNE  
    • LordOfTheArchons
      Posted on May 9, 2012 at 12:12pm

      California should’ve gotten a big fat zero. The Democrats running the state are more concerned with supporting illegal aliens than the citizens. They’ve run this state into the ground and are digging to a hole to China. The business environment is extremely toxic and businesses are fleeing the state in droves. You can’t even get a building permit without paying an arm, leg and first born. If I could afford to leave I would do so in a heartbeat.

      Report Post » LordOfTheArchons  
    • AvengerK
      Posted on May 9, 2012 at 12:13pm

      As you see WALKABOUT…MOREACNE likes to throw the bombs (as all good lefty operatives for media matters do) but won’t account for her/himself afterwards. I use both sexes in reference to MOREACNE/SLEAZY HIPPO because he/she uses both sexes for her/his array of screennames at the Blaze.
      In this case MOREACNE called me a parasite for emigrating from Australia (legally) to the U.S. and eventually becoming a citizen. When asked to explain his/her statement…you get the kind of post the idiot offered just now. But never a credible answer.
      Is this kind of behaviour unique to just MOREACNE? Of course not…this is par for the course for lefty operatives here in the U.S. This penchant for bomb throwing is “normal” for them. Just look at the Van Jones article for example. He makes a remark that one should “never let someone like Jones in the White House”, then he’s asked to explain his words..all of a sudden..he doesn’t want to say anything further (or at least until a scripted response is formulated). And here you have MOREACNE doing exactly the same thing. The idiot states that someone’s a parasite for emigrating legally from a country and becoming a U.S. citizen then when the lefty cur is asked to explain the statement one gets nothing but deflections and smartarsery…but never a straight answer. And this is a pattern with MOREACNE..it’s not just this one occasion. It’s a tactic the left likes to use.

      Report Post »  
    • MONICNE
      Posted on May 9, 2012 at 12:32pm

      AlienK, your story does not add up. The naturalized citizens I know, especially those from English speaking countries, are 100% devoted citizens, and behave as if they are 120% happy with the American tradition of social diversity and optimism. You seem so unhappy here and you are hyper-critical of our citizens. Could you be fibbing?

      TEA

      Report Post » MONICNE  
    • AvengerK
      Posted on May 9, 2012 at 1:06pm

      As if to emphasize my point WALKABOUT…MOREACNE/SLEAZY HIPPO did exactly what I described he/she does.
      He/She called me a parasite yesterday because I emigrated from Australia to the U.S. I’m a legal immigrant to the U.S. and a citizen of the U.S, I’ve lived in the U.S. for nearly 20 years.. When asked to explain his/her statement as to why I’m a parasite for being a legal immigrant and citizen of the U.S. he/she offers the same creepy deflections and bullsh#t but never an account for his/her statement.

      Certainly, I never expect a straight answer from MOREACNE/SLEAZY HIPPO, why would I? The idiot uses multiple screennames here, as if honesty is something to be expected from him/her? His/her purpose here at the blaze is bomb hurling. That what his/her keepers told her to do.

      I‘m well aware that most of the idiot’s blather these days is bait for me (just look at the idiot’s recent postings). But exposing the duplicitious lefty cur for the true cur he/she is is reward enough for the discomfort of coaxing enough rope out of the lefty filth to hang him/herself with.

      Report Post »  
    • DisgruntledInClinton
      Posted on May 9, 2012 at 2:17pm

      My husband and I really need to get out of CT with our oppressive taxes and, of course, unions strangling us. Among the highest gas prices in US, highest electricity rates. But, housing hasn’t even begun to recover and we would lose too much if we moved now. We figure our house went down about $100k in value and it is just a regular, older, 3 bedroom house.

      Report Post »  
    • thelonious
      Posted on May 9, 2012 at 3:21pm

      Very, very shallow. “Business-friendly” states are run by politicians who cooperate with the interests of stockholders while dumping on their less affluent constituents. “Environmental regulation” is derogatory business lingo for saying “public health protection”, same concept – different tone. It’s all about the tone.
      I‘m glad I don’t live where Koch Ind. has successfully bought the soul of my legislators. Where there is a facade of free-market, small gov, entrepreneurship that gathers votes, mostly in red-states, in order to pave the way for Corporatist control of a Socialist system; something many founding fathers vehemently forewarned.

      “I hope we shall crush in its birth the aristocracy of our monied corporations which dare already to challenge our government to a trial by strength, and bid defiance to the laws of our country.”-T.J.

      This tone that inspires nostalgic Americana, innovative libertarianism, is a big joke. The media arms sell you these statistics to keep the party going for the financial manipulators and the sociopathic Harvard alums. The regulations that halt you from building a shed in your yard are inane; Those that stop BP from haphazardly poking around the arctic are immensely important. They would like you to believe these are the same form of “Big” Government.
      A big change is coming to the concepts of “business” and “profit”, and you’re better off learning to decipher the tone of the monied propaganda. The people are the focus

      Report Post »  
    • ILUVJESUS
      Posted on May 9, 2012 at 5:21pm

      Yes, you are smart. Those people will be angry. They will demand that all the other states pay their debts.

      Report Post » ILUVJESUS  
    • turkey13
      Posted on May 9, 2012 at 7:25pm

      We don’t need anymore turkeys from Cal, NY, etc here in Oklahoma. Our unemployment is 5.5% in little town – Southern part of state. My sons can’t hire the proper folks in their construction co. Our Home Depot and Solo Cup co have permanent signs out front and you should see the job listing on Wednesday and Sunday local paper. One of my sons recently went to New York – a cup of coffee and a donut was $21.00. Here you can get 3 eggs, hash browns and a pork chop for $8.00 or under $5.00 for same and just 2 slices of bacon. A $3,000.00 1 room apt in NY is just $450.00 a month for a 3 bedroom house here and not a rat trap.

      Report Post »  
  • longun45
    Posted on May 8, 2012 at 11:20pm

    The chart may be relational as Nevada is not really business friendly with shifting regulations at the county and state level. Unions control far too much and the people have been taken by both the Unions and the progressive politicians in both parties and we have a third power group that is sneeky.

    Our education system Stinks on Ice – bigtime

    Report Post »  
    • Evantoo
      Posted on May 10, 2012 at 1:00am

      Two comments: First, did anyone happen to notice that ALL of the “unfriendly” to business states are Liberal controlled Democrat states?
      And Second, I like your final comment. There is SOOO much truth to it. Which is why most everyone I know homeschools their kids. (Not surprisingly they score, on average, three or more years ahead of their public school counterparts. And the gap is widening with each grade.

      Report Post »  
  • eagledown
    Posted on May 8, 2012 at 11:16pm

    OK, here’s my great idea, run with it.

    1. Find the top 5 Fiscally responsible conservative states.
    2. All conservative/non-socialist minded people and companies move to those states in mass.
    3. This will make those states a powerhouse for growth making us all richer than the other states combined.

    You see, when all of the bread winners (tax payers)/ businesses leave that state, those states will collapse, because there are no more people to fund there welfare checks.
    Then, we will welcome the refuges, but handing them a shovel; not a welfare check to rebuild our new states making them the most advanced organized societies on earth.

    Unemployment in our new states will be zero. Our financial coffers will be so immense we can finance and fund our own military and secede from the union.
    At this point, the Socialist states like Mass, Wis, Ca ect. would crumble to nothing and become a despotic no man’s lands and would beg for our help.
    We help by infusing our people back into power and evict the communist who destroyed them. Deport them, what ever. Ban unions, and put the masses back to work by handing them a shovel and some bread, now clean up this mess and restore your state.

    Now there is a Cloward and Pivan strategy “In reverse”.

    Bring it all down baby!

    It’s going down anyway, We are the real America, and are better off together than living with the communist who want to destroy the American Dream. –K

    Report Post » eagledown  
    • Recceman90
      Posted on May 9, 2012 at 12:17am

      We will need to have the Stock exchange in NY move to Texas or NY state won’t fail until the entire country/world fails! NYS will never vote against a Dem either…they are stuck on worthless stupidity!

      Report Post » Recceman90  
    • cgnick
      Posted on May 9, 2012 at 1:38am

      Check out the states that receive more federal dollars than they pay in. Moocher states.

      http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2011/11/states-federal-taxes-spending-charts-maps

      Report Post »  
    • Noah_fing-whey
      Posted on May 9, 2012 at 7:47am

      @CGNICK – filter your moocher state assumption through minority population and whether they are largely democratically controlled and you will reach a better conclusion…..if you are at all interested in accurate conclusions.

      Report Post »  
    • blutick01
      Posted on May 9, 2012 at 8:50am

      Sounds like the Tri States philosophy from William Johnstone”s Ashes series

      Report Post »  
    • hallkbrdz
      Posted on May 9, 2012 at 9:23am

      Sounds like a good plan to me. Thank God I‘m in Oklahoma and don’t have to move. ;-)

      Report Post » hallkbrdz  
    • rosegrower
      Posted on May 9, 2012 at 10:56am

      There is one flaw in your idea, Eagledown – unless those states choose to secede, they will ultimately be responsible for subsidizing the other 45 deadbeat states. Unless and until the federal government is stripped of its power to tax and regulate, governors and legislatures can create business-friendly climates to attract and retain entrepreneurs, but when those businesses reach Fortune 500 status, they will offshore to more business-friendly countries that don’t see them as livestock ready for slaughter.

      Report Post »  
    • AmazingGrace8
      Posted on May 9, 2012 at 11:06am

      Agree. Good read. Ban unions? That will take care of itself if the state becomes “right-to-work-state” which I highly approve. I have a dear friend that still believes in unions and through conversations “never” acknowledges (crickets chirping) when I mention that most, not all, union dues go to the Dem party and this person is “very conservative”, Catholic, pro-life etc.. There is one area, which surprises me, this person wants the union to go “toe-to-toe” with management on their behalf. This person has a “dynamic” personality and could & has gone “toe-to-toe” with situations during their lifetime, but for some reason, join a union so the union reps can “fight” whatever problems come up. I don’t have a clue why many people want unions and that is their business but with extreme demands & the economy, etc. etc., unions are the “big-zit” that shows up on your face, on prom night!!! LOL Unions are fine for some people….not me….never….no way..but that is just me!

      Report Post »  
    • Kenny_in_Indiana
      Posted on May 9, 2012 at 1:19pm

      If it weren’t for Gary/Chicago, Indiana, my beloved, kicking Dick Lugar’s ass to the curb state would be in the top 5. I will settle for 7th. Not bad.

      Report Post »  
    • THE BECKMEISTER
      Posted on May 9, 2012 at 7:19pm

      I agree with moving the NYSE, but you’re painting all New Yorkers with the same brush. The majority of the Dumbocrat Socialists live in the City, though I confess a lot of them live Upstate too. There are pockets of resistors here and there, though, who are tired of this commie state and would do anything to get out of here if it were financially possible. But between Spitzer and his ****** Train, Patterson and his dope habit, and now Chancellor Cuomo and his Fourth Reich, I don’t know how it would be financially possible. Not to mention we’re in a dead heat with CT for ridiculously high gas prices.

      Report Post »  
  • mcjj
    Posted on May 8, 2012 at 10:52pm

    Wisconsin will look much better after this recall nonsense is over!!!! We had great job increase and new business coming, and then the union thugs started this recall so now everyone is holding on and waiting to see the outcome. If Walker loses, everyone will cease any job grown and the rest of the business will abandon ship.

    Report Post »  
  • Rayblue
    Posted on May 8, 2012 at 10:48pm

    If you have a product or service that people use or desire to own, then come to Texas. Small business can still make a go of it down here. I’m starting my own as soon as Legalzoom sends my paperwork back. I‘m so confident of success that I’d hire an assistant to do the extra typing and sorting of material. But nobody wants to follow the incessant ordering around and general bad attitude that I am constantly reminded that I exhibit.

    Report Post » Rayblue  
    • Teabunny
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 11:08pm

      @ RayBlue…(sorry, reply button not responding) (this commercial announcement brought to you by Legalzoom!) Don’t worry ray…it’s Texas! you’ll find an assistant as awnery as you! and may the spirit of God …keep you from wringing eachothers throats! In Jesus Name, Amen! LOL

      Report Post » Teabunny  
    • Teabunny
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 11:34pm

      thanks blaze…right on top of things! good work gang!

      Report Post » Teabunny  
  • OZARK_BUTCHER
    Posted on May 8, 2012 at 10:44pm

    Our company is opening a second location in a C+ state. We are concentrating more on regulation, compliance, and ordinances than the actual products we are selling.

    Report Post » OZARK_BUTCHER  
  • freelancer91
    Posted on May 8, 2012 at 10:29pm

    I was born in Illinois. I‘m now 21 and I can’t get out of this state fast enough. Texas is looking better and better all the time…..

    Report Post »  
    • nobull14
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 10:53pm

      A sailboat and the dry Tortugas look better everyday !!!!

      Report Post »  
    • Kenny_in_Indiana
      Posted on May 9, 2012 at 1:23pm

      You don’t have to go far. Come on over the boarder to Indiana. Our state is experiencing growth all over, except in the Gary/Chicago area.

      Report Post »  
  • marine249
    Posted on May 8, 2012 at 10:27pm

    Here in BIG SKY COUNTRY [Montana} we are looking
    to move up in nov.

    Report Post »  
    • Teabunny
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 10:57pm

      how are the exploding pig farms going??? heard about the gray foam trapping methane (possibly from the grain in the feed?) any word? (so, by you the pigs actually do fly, huh? LOL) (sorry…couldn’t resist!)

      Report Post » Teabunny  
    • marine249
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 11:45pm

      huh

      Report Post »  
    • RJJinGadsden
      Posted on May 9, 2012 at 12:17am

      Tag Teabunny’s name and read the other posts made today. Some really odd stuff.

      Report Post » RJJinGadsden  
    • mtcountrygrl
      Posted on May 9, 2012 at 11:08am

      I own three small business in MT. We are starting to pick up. The tea party is on fire and we have some very good conservative options for govenor this year. I think Tester will go down too. Lots of out-of-state money trying to keep him in this, but he voted for health care and people are focused on that. Only 30% approval for that monster here.

      Report Post »  
  • nobull14
    Posted on May 8, 2012 at 9:50pm

    I live in Florida and they have a long way to go ? But grew up in Chicago in Illinois and there ready to flush with no Toilet paper !!!!!! Oturds state of cronies and thieves !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Report Post »  
  • Murkman
    Posted on May 8, 2012 at 9:41pm

    Why a color scheme that’s so hard to read? I see this crap all the time.

    Report Post »  
    • macpappy
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 9:56pm

      The lazy person that did this simply went up the chart of next colors for each section. Idiocracy at work, there is no more imagination. Hell, they are making movies out 30 year old bad sit coms, and comic books from the 50′s.
      There will never be another “Sound Of Music” or “Gone With The Wind”.

      Report Post » macpappy  
    • lukerw
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 10:00pm

      It’s for the Illiterate stupid people… as presented by the Intellectuals… just like the HomeLand Security Danger System.

      Report Post » lukerw  
  • possom
    Posted on May 8, 2012 at 9:32pm

    Illinois should be the same as calif, We have so many empty building‘s around here it’s pitiful. Twelve yr‘s ago they were all thriving business’s.

    Report Post » possom  
    • kindling
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 10:04pm

      You are right Possom…..we are watching business after business close and empty buildings everywhere. Even banks that were taken over by bigger banks are now empty because there is a branch just down the street. I can’t find a community bank I can trust now, only big ones you know are not honest. I would move too but my home is upside down and will not recover in my life time. I am to old to start over too. If Obama and the NBPP get elected I will be one of the top of the list of death panel guests. No kids to take care of me…..not much hope but plenty of change.

      Report Post » kindling  
    • Teabunny
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 10:42pm

      praying for you kindling. May I ask, are you Christian? If so, know that God is still on the throne. He keeps his promises to his people,

      There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.
      Rev 22:5 : )
      Peace.

      Report Post » Teabunny  
    • Teabunny
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 10:44pm

      Change can be good…don’t let them steal Hope from you. Don’t let them corrupt the truth of what these words should mean.

      Report Post » Teabunny  
    • Teabunny
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 11:45pm

      found an interesting post kindling (and I was about to offer a hand to a fellow Illinoisian!)
      KINDLING
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 5:01pm
      It has been my experience that illegals have more rights than my son and I do. They have more rights than an unborn child in this country. I fear we have passed the tipping point of freeloaders and workers supporting them because even those that do not pay anything into the tax pool get to vote on how it is spent. We are all going to go down in flames…..workers and freeloaders. This is a case of the parasite killing the host.

      Report Post » Teabunny  
    • Teabunny
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 11:46pm

      soros troll….dropped the radical pose for the radical ends, huh?

      Report Post » Teabunny  
    • Apple Bite
      Posted on May 9, 2012 at 9:07am

      When you consistently vote Democrat just because, you‘ll eventually wander off into the Socialist realm and forget why you’re voting at all. By then, it’s too late…

      For too long, Illinois has subjected it’s taxpayers with sheer failure in the worse ways possible. And the majority of the damage was caused by irresponsible Democrat elects. Biggest known failure?

      East St. Louis.

      Report Post » Apple Bite  
  • paperpushermj
    Posted on May 8, 2012 at 9:30pm

    This is the result of What One Party Rule looks Like.

    Report Post » paperpushermj  
  • sooner12
    Posted on May 8, 2012 at 9:30pm

    We here in OK are happy about the rating, but I’d hate to see the state grow anymore. I like the small communities. OKC is already too big and the community where I live is getting that way, also.

    Report Post »  
  • MIKEYB
    Posted on May 8, 2012 at 9:30pm

    I own a small dental lab in Vermont and we are screwed big time.

    Report Post »  
    • FotoChief
      Posted on May 10, 2012 at 7:43am

      MikeyB, to add to your problems as you know Gov. Shumlin is going to put in a socialist, government controlled “healthsystem” plus turn the whole state into a sanctuary for illegal aliens. I don’t know if you will have any business opportunity left but good luck.

      Report Post »  
  • Individualism
    Posted on May 8, 2012 at 9:27pm

    allot of the states with the lowest unemployment rates have bad scores something ain’t right about this survery.

    Report Post » Individualism  
    • Fubared
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 10:03pm

      All the lbright ime green states went for Paul. Dag. Maybe next time.

      Report Post »  
    • Teabunny
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 10:11pm

      state employees are still the employed. Liberal states are bad for small business, big on big government.

      Report Post » Teabunny  
    • Kenny_in_Indiana
      Posted on May 9, 2012 at 1:26pm

      It’s called big government. They get a bad grade because they have a huge government employee base which pays taxes with tax money. Those states don’t have a solid tax base of non-government employees.

      Report Post »  
  • ThePostman
    Posted on May 8, 2012 at 9:26pm

    It’s really sad, because there is a LOT of room for improvement here in Texas. That just goes to show you how foul and hostile our government has become. Not just towards businesses, either, government is hostile to citizens.

    You all do know this is graded on a curve, don’t you? ;-)

    Report Post »  
  • KingDork
    Posted on May 8, 2012 at 9:26pm

    No wonder why I see so many empty lots and stores in my state of California and more and more people being laid off due to their business moving to another state or country… Then again I am not 1 bit surprised

    Report Post » KingDork  
    • AxelPhantom
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 10:58pm

      You guys need to do something about that, they are swarming upon Texas. Doing wonders for home values but please from here on out, send only conservatives. ;)

      Report Post »  
    • inblack
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 11:24pm

      Augh

      California must really have screwed up because Texas is the ugliest place to live – flat, hot, boring, roads, dirt and no trees.

      I always figured the pollution laws in California actually made sense – it is the most beautiful state in the country and the smog was ruining it. Too bad the libs destroyed the economy and business.

      Report Post »  
  • loveoursoldiers
    Posted on May 8, 2012 at 9:24pm

    The WH will probably use this map to target those they wish to punish.. you know.. the Jewish business owners and/or the non-supporters of the king.

    Report Post » loveoursoldiers  
    • Teabunny
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 10:15pm

      very true. where do you think they will crack down? where they have control, or where they need to gain control? hey, anyone ever hear of crystal naught (the night of broken glass) and how they cracked down on Jewish businesses…because they were destroying the economy for the rest of the good Germans? (or so the spin went)

      Report Post » Teabunny  
    • GhostOfJefferson
      Posted on May 9, 2012 at 7:41pm

      Naught means “nothing”. Nact. Krystallisnacht.

      Report Post » GhostOfJefferson  
  • Bryan B
    Posted on May 8, 2012 at 9:22pm

    They have Florida at a C, Florida should be an F+….

    I have seen more businesses crash and burn, because of government regulations, (State, Local and U.S.), Just look at our building, fishing industry, manufacturing, agriculture, oil driling, service industry, when the government here gets anywhere near it, they’ll kill it…..

    Report Post » Bryan B  
  • 1_Smoot_Tall
    Posted on May 8, 2012 at 9:17pm

    I used to live in Philadelphia. There are fun and interesting street performers like mimes, puppeteers, jugglers, dancers, musicians, and magicians, etc. They were all required to obtain a city license for street performance. However, there was no license required for the Hare Krishnas to dance and raise funds or for the panhandlers. I thought it would be fun for an actor to dress as a bum and act out the part and skip the license. If he got caught he could claim to be a real bum.

    This is the over-regulated nation in which we live.

    Report Post » 1_Smoot_Tall  
  • Mark0331
    Posted on May 8, 2012 at 9:16pm

    …even with these facts, we will still see the idiot lefty liberal come out and espouse the great Democratic party and its benefits to our nation blah blah blah…The Democrats and their parties moronic ideals destroy the creativity, production, and the spirit of Americans.

    Report Post » Mark0331  
  • Sherlock01
    Posted on May 8, 2012 at 9:12pm

    God bless TEXAS!!!

    Report Post »  
  • BeingThere
    Posted on May 8, 2012 at 9:12pm

    Yea! Commiefornia!!! We’re #1, we don’t have to try harder!!! LOL

    Just keep electing the same traitors over and over again you brain dead morons!!!!

    Report Post » BeingThere  
  • jhaydeng
    Posted on May 8, 2012 at 9:11pm

    New Hampshire A+! Wow!

    Report Post »  
    • RedManBlueState
      Posted on May 9, 2012 at 10:38am

      Ya, look at poor New Hampshire. An island of sanity in a sea of FAIL.

      The Massholes who can no longer afford to live under the socialistic policies they voted for are fleeing to Nashua and Salem and infecting the Granite State with their moonbattery. In five years, NH will only have a B+ (or less).

      Report Post » RedManBlueState  
    • AmazingGrace8
      Posted on May 9, 2012 at 11:31am

      @Jhay & Red

      Quite impressive for NH. The state is smokn’ hot because they took the “hemp” and used it to make rope and not smoke-it. What they have done with their governmental structure was not “haphazard”. They are skipping-rope into prosperity for “all” citizens of that state and NOT using the rope to hang themselves. Good job NH….Keep up the good team effort!!! Showing the rest of the states…it can be done!!!

      Report Post »  
  • Smokey_Bojangles
    Posted on May 8, 2012 at 9:08pm

    After amendment one,NC will have to raise taxes to defend law suits and your more politically correct businesses will not come here.That should help the economy. You may not have a job and beer and gas are $30 a gallon but by golly we showed those homosexuals didn’t we!

    Report Post » Smokey_Bojangles  
    • Individualism
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 9:30pm

      they once went for jews and blacks and now they persecute gays. i got a a few calls about the stupid amendment from some backwood rednecks who sounds like they didn’t graduate high school.

      Report Post » Individualism  
    • drattastic
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 9:35pm

      My guess ,keeping as many socialist out of your state as possible is worth any price. I’m betting NC is going back in the good old“Red State”column where they belong this November. Sounds like you live there, I’m sure no one will miss you if you pack up the Prius and leave town. Why don’t you go on out to Commiefornia and find yourself a job since all those businesses are flocking there, better brush up on your spanish comrade.

      Report Post » drattastic  
    • Mountain Dew
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 9:44pm

      @ Individualism You kinda “sounds” llike you didn’t either there ole hoss.

      Report Post »  
    • nighttrainno9
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 9:58pm

      I do live in NC and we are sick to death of homos and liberal b.s.
      being pushed on us by transplanted yankees. If we can run all
      the liberals out of this state the vast majority would be tickled.
      And individualism, you can stick it up your A$$.

      Report Post »  
    • 1_Smoot_Tall
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 10:02pm

      Your post is irrelevant to the story. Do you always try to get your internal struggle with your perverted choices into every discussion? Excessive compulsive exhibitionism is a condition of sexual deviancy – right?
      Do any of the following apply to you?:
      Vain in your imaginations
      Foolish dark heart
      Profess yourself to be wise but know you are a fool
      Unclean through the lust of your own heart
      Dishonor your own body
      Changed the truth of God into a lie
      Worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator
      God given you up unto vile affections
      Changed the natural use into that which is against nature
      Left the natural use of the woman and burned in your lust toward another man
      Working that which is unseemly
      Receiving in yourself that recompense of your error which was meet
      Not like to retain God in your knowledge
      God given you over to a reprobate mind to do those things which are not convenient
      Filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; and whispers
      Backbiter, hater of God, despiteful, proud, boasting, an inventor of evil things, disobedient to your parents, without understanding, a covenant-breaker, without natural affection, implacable, or unmerciful

      Do you know the judgment of God and that those that commit such things are worthy of death yet they still not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them?

      Report Post » 1_Smoot_Tall  
    • 1_Smoot_Tall
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 10:04pm

      You will never understand that our success as a nation has come as a result of our increasingly moral behavior. As our morality now decreases – our quality of life, joy, eternal progression, and very lives become more and more at risk.

      These degenerates have redefined the word “gay”, stolen the meaning of the “rainbow”, have more partners than a female rat, and are going to use their bodies for inna butt-rape each other anyway. So why should we let then continue to tear-down the institutions that work and protect the fundamental building blocks of a society – the family.

      All these low-life perverts are the same. They aren’t happy getting twisted in the bedroom – they have to FORCE others to approve of them. They are all exhibitionists defined by their God-offending perversions rather than contributing something useful to society. They are lucky the new law forbids the rest of us from stoning them to death.

      Report Post » 1_Smoot_Tall  
    • inblack
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 11:48pm

      We don’t hate gays in NC, we just got tired of handing out cash and special rights to every interest group that pops up. Just because you profess your love for somebody doesn’t mean you can get in line for free money.

      I do agree, if it drives away socialists that is a good thing.

      Our progressive idiot democrat governor Purdue has wrecked the economy here and we will see a swing back to the right this election. Her approval rating was 30% and she decided to not seek re-election. She is totally clueless, probably still trying to figure out how to blame Bush.

      Report Post »  
    • MastinoDF
      Posted on May 9, 2012 at 10:25am

      yeah…all economies depend on the homosexual population and of course gas prices too.

      Report Post »  
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