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Why labor force participation is so different state to state

Nov 17, 2023
Different religious beliefs and education levels mean many more Utahans participate in the labor force than Mississippians.
One reason that Utah is the state with the highest labor force participation is the prominence of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which encourages family formation, leading to higher birthrates, says economist Peter Philips.
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Red Texas is flush, blue California has a deficit, but it's more about economics than politics

Jan 11, 2023
Fewer tech millionaires were minted in 2022, hurting California's bottom line, while in Texas, the oil and gas industry boomed.
"Because [California is] a heavy tech economy, it means tech has a disproportionate impact on the state’s revenues," said Chris Hoene at the California Budget & Policy Center. 
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A look at the economies of the latest states to vote

Jun 7, 2016
There are 5 states with primaries on Tuesday. North Dakota Democrats hold caucuses.
An oil drilling rig near Watford City, North Dakota.
Andrew Burton/Getty Images

We three mayors

Oct 23, 2015
Different parts of the country. Different economies. Same jobs.

Can other states learn from the "economic genius" of Texas?

Apr 18, 2013
Erica Grieder, author of "Big Hot, Cheap and Right," on what the rest of the country can learn from the economic genius of Texas.