Two recent articles, one well-publicized one not, have come up with strikingly different opinions about the state of Connecticut.
According to a widely-quoted article published in the August 2013 Edition of Forbes Magazine, Connecticut is the worst of states, an opinion given away by its title "How Did Rich Connecticut Morph Into One of the Nation's Worst Performing Economies?" This article was written by Jim Powell of the right-wing libertarian Cato Institute. Citing studies by various groups who are not favorably disposed toward left-leaning states that raise and spend tax revenues on fripperies like health, education and social welfare Powell links population loss with policies he sees as unfriendly to business and the wealthy.
Connecticut tops the list of best places to live, edging out its neighbor Massachusetts, according to the 2013 report of the Social Science Research Council which ranks states according to education, health and income in an "American Human Development Index." This index ranks states according to criteria relating to whether residents can expect to live a long and happy life, access to knowledge and a decent standard of living.
Now this may be the classic case of comparing apples and oranges with Powell's piece making demographic claims based on economic factors and the other study balancing the economy with other factors relating to overall quality of life.
Add me to the critics of Powell's analysis as an ideologically driven spiel that overlooks the good things about our state and twists data toward a predetermined viewpoint.
Connecticut is fourth by per capita GSP (Gross State Product)in 2013. The tax burden on business in Connecticut compares favorably with other states in our region according to a 2011 study by Ernst & Young. Taking a comprehensive view the study concluded the tax burden in Connecticut was the lightest in the nation. In terms of affluence, education, healthcare and quality of life Connecticut compares very favorably with the states praised in the studies cited in the Forbes article.
I suppose it all boils down to: where would you rather live? Before you reflexively say Florida, with all that sunshine, think about where you want to raise your family, educate yourself and your children, find a job, go see a physician or dentist, go to the theater or a museum, dine out etc., all the things that together translate to a better life. As the state advertising slogan reminds us "Better yet, Connecticut."
