Freedom! Most Improved Idaho #6
According to the Mercatus Center of George Mason University, Idaho ranks 6th in terms of "Freedom in the 50 States" -- and is considered the most improved state from 2009-11. Here's what the report says re: Idaho:
As an extremely conservative state, Idaho scores very well on economic freedom but poorly on personal freedom. Idaho wins the title for “most improved state” between the years 2009 and 2011. All that improvement came from enhanced economic freedom, especially regarding fiscal policy. After Wyoming, Idaho has the lowest government debt ratio in the United States. Its tax burden of 8.2 percent is also among the lowest, and it has fallen from 9.6 percent since 2001. However, state government is overly dependent on federal grants, and as a result government consumption plus subsidies and government employment are both above average (11.7 percent of personal income and 14.1 percent of private employment, respectively). More here.
- Top 5 states: 1. North Dakota, 2. South Dakota, 3. Tennessee, 4. New Hampshire, and 5. Oklahoma.
Question: Do you agree that Idaho cherishes freedom?