Posted on 02/04/2022 6:57:15 AM PST by Enlightened1
Only a state with the motto “Live Free or Die” is freer than the Sunshine State.
That’s according to the nonprofit CATO Institute’s annual Freedom in the 50 States report, which compares states based on different aspects of autonomy and choice in key policy areas. The report uses hundreds of variables to gauge states on fiscal, regulatory and personal terms.
Overall, Florida came in second to New Hampshire in the 2021 ranking that used 2019 data to compare states.
The CATO Institute bills itself as a libertarian public policy think tank that promotes limited government, free markets and peace.
It highlighted the state’s lack of a personal income tax and warm weather as the pied-pipers of not just well-heeled retirees but also business professionals looking to make the most of their labor.
“Florida does especially well on economic freedom, and even more so on fiscal policy. Indeed, it is our top state on both,” the report said. “Regulatory policy is improved but mediocre compared with the fiscal side.”
Florida’s freedom metrics lagged due to heavy incarceration rates, onerous occupational licensing requirements, state-level health insurance mandates, and the cost of gun control laws on owners and dealers.
To make the state freer, CATO suggests Florida decentralize taxing and spending powers from counties to municipalities, reform its occupational licensing system to remove barriers of entry into careers, and enact criminal justice reforms.
While New Hampshire was this year’s freest state, nearby New York came in last.
Legal marijuana was another big factor in their score card.
“Seems like this should be top 5:
1. Florida
2. Texas
3. Tennessee
4. South Dakota
5. South Carolina.”
BINGO. Exactly right.
But I will still have the sense enough not to be driving in the passing lane ten mph below the speed limit with my left flasher on.
The federal minimum wage law is $7.25. Florida should follow that and allow the marketplace to determine what the fair value of a wage is.
If we are worried about low wages, that's an argument to restrict immigration. Personally, I think we do not have enough immigrants due to our low birth rate.
“But I will still have the sense enough not to be driving in the passing lane ten mph below the speed limit with my left flasher on.”
You better hope your marbles continue to be intact. The invincibility of youth oft goes astray with age, as you will find out, lol.
It’s all about the choice of metrics by which the rankings are set. For me, there is nothing about a New Hampshire nestled in the midst of some of the most leftist states would never be, could never be, number one in freedom.
Overall, I've driven over 1 million miles with a handful of tickets over 45 years. One accident during that time, a few years ago, when I was rear ended by an inattentive driver on Hwy 114.
I will always love taking road trips, but it will now all be done during daylight hours. Even wearing glasses, I'm uncomfortable driving at night.
Add to that the overwhelming number of really lousy drivers in North Texas, exacerbated by new drivers from "South Asian" countries. Thankfully, 80-90% of my driving today is confined to commuting to and from work, about 15 minutes.
I knew that day was coming, I turn 68 in a few months. Still, it was a real kick in the arse.
My grandad was flying planes well into his 80’s; he also skied, and hiked. My dad does the same thing at his age. I intend to be active until I can’t anymore and if I get to ninety I’ll just breed cats.
“I intend to be active until I can’t anymore and if I get to ninety I’ll just breed cats.”
Sounds like a plan, lol. I have a cat. I’m older now. I love cats. Great pets when you are in your dotage. I hope your good family genes were passed onto you too. Drive carefully....
I have a nice big SUV so let others be careful of me LOL
Then stay away!
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