Fraser Institute Pegs Wisconsin No. 34 in Economic Freedom Rankings

MacIver News Service | November 30, 2012

[Madison, Wisc…] Earlier this week, the Cato Institute issued a “B” grade to Governor Scott Walker in its annual state Fiscal Policy Report Card, and business leaders from around Wisconsin gathered in Madison to voice optimism over the state’s improving business climate.

Now, the nonpartisan Fraser Institute has slotted Wisconsin no. 34 out of 50 states in its annual Economic Freedom of North America survey.

When including Canada, Wisconsin checks in at no. 40.

It is important to note that, since the 2012 study data is from 2010, it remains to be seen how much Wisconsin’s economy has improved under the Fraser Institute’s metrics during the first half of Governor Walker’s inaugural term.

The ratings take into account a number of factors, including size of government, taxation and regulation.

Alberta, Canada finished in the top spot of this year’s index, with Delaware claiming the highest U.S. score. Alberta and Delaware also finished nos. one and two in the 2009 index.

Wisconsin is up two spots from no. 36 in 2009.

The least economically free state in 2010 according to the Fraser Institute was New Mexico.

To view the 2012 Economic Freedom of North America report in full, click the link below.

2012 Economic Freedom Report.pdf