Move over Texas, Florida, and Tennessee, by the thousands, Californians are relocating to Arkansas and Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders is not surprised.
The Republican governor says the reason is simple: People are “just tired. Tired of the lockdowns, tired of the crime, tired of the preening politicians who won’t do anything to address the real issues they’re facing.”
In an opinion piece published by Fox News, Sanders addressed the reason why Arkansas “has received a steady influx of new residents for years.”
“Today, there are thousands of California refugees – and thousands more from other states – in our state,” she wrote, noting that “about 32,000 new people moved to Arkansas, about 10% of them from California.”
“That’s because my administration is focused on the reforms that will make Arkansas the best state in the country to live, work and raise a family,” added the former Trump administration press secretary, citing policies like universal school choice, cutting taxes “not once, but twice,” and “making historic investments in outdoor recreation.”
“We’re cracking down on crime, getting woke nonsense out of our schools, and keeping kids safe online,” Sanders wrote.
The daughter of former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee and the first woman to serve as governor of the state explained that it is “nearly 40% cheaper to live in Little Rock than in Los Angeles. Housing is about 60% less expensive; health care is 15% cheaper,” and the tax rate – which continues to decrease – is a third of what Californians face.
“But moving to Arkansas isn’t just a pocketbook decision – it’s about quality of life as well,” she continued.”As 48 million people discovered for themselves in 2022, Arkansas is, for good reason, the Natural State.”
Indeed, many fleeing the West Coast have been happy to leave oppressive California laws behind. Many, like those in San Francisco, have almost not had a choice as their once-booming neighborhoods have devolved into trash-infested communities riddled with drug addicts and the homeless.
San Franciscan posts what it’s like to walk to work along terrifying streets in the heart of the city https://t.co/VP6gfKLsLD via @BIZPACReview
— BPR based (@DumpstrFireNews) November 7, 2023
“The Valencia Merchants Association conducted a survey of business activity, with business owners reporting year-over-year dips as severe as 50%,” the San Francisco Chronicle reported on the exodus of businesses from the once-booming Valencia Street.
“Before COVID there was no way in hell you could find an available space on Valencia Street,” restaurant owner Rafik Bouzidi told the paper. “Now it seems like another restaurant shuts down every week.”
A study over the summer revealed that liberal New York and California lost more tax income than every other state as higher cost of living versus lower quality of life spurred decisions by many to relocate – usually to red states.
“Despite its numerous attractions, from the booming tech industry and world-class universities to beautiful landscapes and cultural richness, California’s high personal income tax rates seem discouraging for many high-wealth individuals,” an analysis by MyEListing noted in July. “This, coupled with the state’s high cost of living, will likely fuel a wealth migration out of California.”
Meanwhile, Sanders compared the failing economies of states like California compared to her own.
“We’re able to slash taxes so heavily because our economy is booming, creating billion-dollar surpluses. As taxes continue to fall, our economy will continue to rise – the opposite of the Left Coast’s downward spiral,” she wrote in the op-ed.
Sanders touted her state’s rich natural resources as among the attractions for those looking for a fresh start.
“Arkansas is God’s country,” the nation’s youngest governor told readers, inviting them to come and see for themselves.
Writers and editors can be contacted at [email protected] with feedback, tips, or corrections.
Originally from New York, Powers graduated from New York University and eventually made her way to sunny South Florida. Powers also contributes to BizPac Review.
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