Obviously, there are a lot of differences between one state and the next. You can be in one strongly conservative state and then jump over to the next state and it’s as liberal as you could ever imagine. Freedom naturally goes hand and hand with conservative states. But among the liberal states, some are more restrictive than others. So, which one is the worst?

New York has been labeled “the least free state” in America, according to a recent report by The Cato Institute. This sobering ranking reflects the state’s stifling policies and exorbitant taxes that have placed it at the bottom of the list for economic, social, and personal freedoms.

In the 2022 ranking, New York shamefully stood at 50th place, with particularly low scores in areas like debt, taxation, government consumption, land use, and labor policy. It’s clear that the state is sinking under the weight of its own regulations.

Driving this oppressive policy environment are New York City and Albany, which hold sway over the rest of the state. These powerful hubs, steeped in left-wing ideologies, allow concentrated interests to dictate policies that affect millions of New Yorkers. The result? Sky-high taxes – including income and property taxes – that are driving residents to flee the state in droves.

Let’s take a closer look at these numbers. Compared to Florida, the second most free state after New Hampshire, the difference is staggering. While Floridians enjoy the freedom of no state income tax, New Yorkers are burdened with some of the highest taxes in the country. It’s no wonder that many are choosing to pack their bags and head south.

This isn’t a new problem. The New York Post article titled “NY ranked ‘Least Free State,’ with high taxes, debt, regulation: study,” reveals that New York has consistently ranked last in every Cato study since 2000. William Ruger, the report’s co-author, underscores the detrimental impact of New York City and Albany’s policies on the entire state.

What can be done to reverse this trend? The report suggests a few remedies. New York policymakers should reduce spending and taxes, pay down debt, and abolish rent control laws. Looking to states like Florida for inspiration could also be beneficial.

Governor Kathy Hochul’s office had no immediate comment on the report’s findings, leaving New Yorkers to wonder if and when change will come.

The bottom line is this: New York’s lack of freedom is more than just a ranking. It’s a reality that residents are living every day. And it’s a call to action for policymakers to make the necessary changes to ensure that the Empire State can once again be a place where people can thrive.