New York Ranks Last in Freedom Index

It should really come as no surprise, but New York State gets bagged in George Mason University's Freedom in the 50 States index.

Dead last in the ranking on fiscal policy, 44th on regulatory policy, 48th on personal freedom, and dead last for economic freedom.

How did we get here? The study points out pretty succinctly:

New York has the highest taxes in the country. Property, selective sales, individual income, and corporate income taxes are particularly high. Spending on social services and “other” is well above national norms…. Government employment is higher than average. On personal freedoms, gun laws are extremely restrictive…tobacco laws are extremely strict. Motorists are highly regulated…. Home school regulations are burdensome…. Eminent domain is totally unreformed.