There are two new reports out this week of potential interest to Montanans. According to the first report, shared by The Daily Caller, some Canadian provinces (like Alberta) are more free than US states- including Montana. A second report from 24/7 Wall Street labels North Dakota the “best run state in the nation.” With neighbors like these…
Daily Caller: US States Less Free Than Canadian Provinces
“Canadian provinces now lead US states in average economic freedom, with the provincial average at 6.8 compared to 6.7 out of 10 for US states,” claims the new study by the Fraser Institute.
Topping the list of the most economically free subdivisions of North American countries is the Canadian province of Alberta, followed by Delaware, Saskatchewan, Texas and Nevada.
New York, Nevada, and Montana scored some of the lowest in indirect taxes, again, lower than the levels of Canadian provinces.
As TheBlaze.com notes, North Dakota has been labelled the best run state in the nation.
Republicans Lead the Best-Run States in America, Democrats Dominate the Worst
The annual Best and Worst Run States in America survey by 24/7 Wall St. came out today, revealing that the top 5 states are led by Republicans while the bottom five are dominated by Democrats.
The list is based on a review of data for financial health, standard of living and government services. While noting that current situations may stem from decisions made years ago and that external factors like weather can be as much to blame as poor governance, 24/7 Wall St. also points out that all of the high-ranking states have “well-managed budgets” and the worst states have “high debt relative to both income and expenditure.”
North Dakota Gov. Jack Dalrymple (R) offered this statement in response to the report:
“This study recognizes that North Dakota’s sound fiscal policies are working,” Gov. Jack Dalrymple said. “We are in a strong position to provide tax relief, maintain a healthy reserve while also investing in our priorities.”
How’d Montana rank, according to the report? Number 18:
18. Montana
Debt per capita: $4,430 (13th highest)
Budget deficit: None
Unemployment: 6.8% (14th lowest)
Median household income: $44,222 (13th lowest)
Pct. below poverty line: 14.8% (25th lowest)