This is a surprise you’d think it would have made the bottom of the list. California was ranked 48th when it comes to being free in the United States. But for some reason, they kept Governor Gavin Newsome despite the recall…
“A recent study by the Cato Institute, the libertarian think tank, ranked California 48th out of the 50 states in personal and economic freedom.
The study also examines fiscal policy and regulatory policy. For the first time, California’s population decreased last year, resulting in the loss of a congressional seat. In the third quarter of this year, 150,000 more people on average left the state versus 60,000 net departures in the first quarter of last year.
Between March 2020 and September 2021, there has been a 38% decrease in new arrivals. California has 58 counties, and new arrivals fell in every single one.
As to the loss of personal and economic freedom, consider the following examples. As of the end of 2021, a publicly held company headquartered in California must have between one and three female board members, depending upon its size, or face a fine of $100,000.”
“As of Jan. 1, 2022, California’s new bacon law is scheduled to take effect. According to the Associated Press: “Put simply, the law requires that breeding pigs, egg-laying chickens, and veal calves be given enough space to stand and turn around. For pigs, that means they no longer can be kept in narrow ‘gestation crates’ and must have 24 square feet of usable space.” Producers predict shortages and more expensive bacon and pork products.”
California is also banning the sale of gas-powered small engine equipment like lawnmowers and leaf blowers. The ban takes effect in 2024 and Newsom is also banning the sale of any vehicle that puts off emissions come 2028. Looks like the used car market is about to skyrocket in California.
But all of these regulations and restrictions are exactly why people are moving out of the state as fast as they can.
The only states deemed less free than California are Hawaii and New York, according to the CATO Institute.