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By Jon Coupal
The increasing rate of people and businesses leaving California is well documented and is slowly being acknowledged by reluctant politicians and legacy media. Arguments from California’s cheerleader-in-chief, Governor Newsom, that everything is fine are growing less credible by the day.
For those of us who want to stay in the Golden State – no matter what your politics – this is a crisis as we watch our friends and family members leave for better opportunities elsewhere. In fact, the problem has evolved from one of outmigration to actual population loss. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, total population in California declined by more than 500,000 between April 2020 and July 2022.
Setting aside other factors contributing to California’s population decline is the 871,127 decrease attributable to net domestic outmigration alone.
Even more troubling is the number of Californians who are just considering leaving. A recent survey by the LA Times and various nonprofit groups – not exactly right-wing media – 40% of Californians are considering bailing out. The driving force is lack of affordable housing, healthcare costs, and cost of living.
How many of us have spoken to our friends who have moved to any one of dozens other states who tell us, “It’s so much cheaper here.” Then they ask, “What is your exit plan?”
Most recent emigres include high taxes as a reason for leaving. For high-earning individuals, it is likely the main reason as California’s highest-in-the-nation 13.3% income tax rate exacts a huge cost. And if they move to one of the many states that has no income tax at all (Texas, Florida, Nevada, etc.) they enjoy an immediate 13.3% savings on their earnings.
To read the entire column, please click here.
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