39 reasons to cheer California's economy

"Somehow, I'm still here. A key reason is the California economy rarely disappoints as fodder for a columnist, no less serving as grist for the Golden State's numerous critics. One thing I've found odd during my nearly four decades of watching the California business climate is a decided lack of what you might call "cheerleaders." Not that California is perfect. What place is?"

"The "chamber of commerce types" tend to complain about the place that helped create their wealth. The business community's typically right-leaning views frequently clash with the state's left-leaning politics. However, the constant tinkering by left-leaning policymakers - moves that often irk the Golden State's executive suites - also can be seen as a critique of what is currently the world's fourth-largest economy."

"Consider 39 measurements drawn from government data, industry statistics and various state-by-state rankings. These are demographic, livability and financial yardsticks in which California sits amongst the top 10 states. They're listed in rank order, with the top grades at the end. Not everyone will agree that these traits are all good qualities. But that's California, for you. The list Life expectancy: 78 years, the 10th longest among the states, as measured by the Centers for Disease Control."

California exhibits numerous demographic, livability and economic strengths that place it among the top ten U.S. states on many measures. The state posts a 78-year life expectancy (10th), and 19% of workers are in education and health services (10th largest share). Layoff rates are comparatively low, with employers cutting roughly 1.2% of staff monthly (ninth-lowest). Political friction exists between right-leaning business interests and left-leaning policymakers, with regulatory changes sometimes irritating corporate leaders while signaling scrutiny of the state's large economy. A set of 39 measurements highlights these attributes alongside contested qualities.

Read at The Mercury News