In April of this year I wrote an article about what a disgruntled California conservative or libertarian should consider when pondering a move to another state. I recommended looking at the 2016 “Trump vote” as a simple indicator of the future probability of a conservative state “turning” (to use zombie parlance).
Nevada had obvious warning signs. It voted for Hillary. BOTH state legislatures are now controlled by Democrats. Only the governorship remains in GOP hands.
Even the political future of Texas is suspect long term. I have a soft spot for Tennessee, a state that voted almost 2-1 for Trump and is completely phasing out its remaining state income tax. BTW, I’m not much of a Trump fan, but that presidential vote is a great indicator of the political leaning of a state. Here’s my article:
http://riderrants.blogspot.com/2017/04/2016-trump-vote-tells-us-californians.html
I thought I’d look again at one state — perhaps the first state many Californians consider: Nevada. It has obvious advantages, starting with its close proximity to the Golden State — making it rather easy to come back to visit friends and family. It has a major airport in Las Vegas. It also HAS Las Vegas! The northern part of the state (the Reno area) offers more tolerable weather plus skiing, and Nevada has no state income tax — for now.
I just got the 2017 annual report/study put out by the fiscally conservative Nevada Policy Research Institute. It’s a comprehensive review of the last Nevada legislative session, and the actions by the Republican governor. Sadly, it’s apparent that the state is turning. The title of one section of the report is “The Californication of Nevada.” It’s happening — all that remains is for progressives to replace the already-waffling Republican governor, and the transformation will accelerate at a sickening pace.
In the Institute’s ranking survey based on fiscal issues only, the remaining Republicans in the Nevada state legislature rate a pathetic “C” average (dropping from previous sessions) while the Democrat majority rates a well-earned “F” – but only because there is not a lower letter of ranking.
http://www.npri.org/issues/publication/the-2017-nevada-legislative-session-review-and-report
If I lived in Nevada I would not flee just yet. But I’d be looking at exit strategies. As a Californian, I have now struck Nevada off my short list of most attractive states, and I must admit I’m disappointed that I had to do so.
Nevada is still a fine place to visit, but no longer the state to set up permanent residence in. So be it.