Mississippi makes economic Top 10

Utah is No. 1 among the 50 states with the best economic outlook in 2013. Florida and Mississippi rank back-to-back to round out the Top 10, according to a new economic data report based on 15 policy areas researched by the American Legislative Exchange Council. The report examines states’ economic trends and outlook based on 2013 data using 15 equally-weighted policy variables, including various tax rates, regulatory burdens and labor policies. Florida ranks at the top of the scale direction - with 1 being best and 50 worst - for having a top marginal personal income tax rate, estate/inheritance tax levied and being a ‘Right To Work’ state. Mississippi, which ranks No. 10 overall, topped the charts in two of those same categories - except the income tax variable. Source: American Legislative Exchange Council, May 23, 2013.