It's bad if you are relying on government to address issues and develop the state to attract companies/provide a better lifestyle. It is great because there is much less competition and you can do very well compared to peers. If you had a good upbringing and a decent education you can go high places, and people with that background seek out people with a similar background in business.

My AC guy owns his own company. He was middle class and now is rich. He does great work, but more importantly he is forward thinking, treats his employees well, and heavily caters to the customer. He has a great reputation. A lot of trades in this state don't have that mindset. If someone in a trade knows how do his trade well, and also run the business well, it's like having gold.

A lot of the successful people here all own their own small business. You don't have corporate people here for the most part.

My family is doing great, my HS and college friends all live comfortable lives, and many have a luxurious lifestyle.

It is also great because the progressives/activists don't want to move to a state that is at the bottom with education, and just at the bottom of everything in general. They cringe when they enter a cafe and see F250's in the parking lot and baws having breakfast before they turn to for the workday. That is why they concentrate in areas of NOLA and have their refuge. I don't live there so its not a problem for me. I visit, enjoy its charm, and then retreat to home base.

You have to pay for a better education, but as a republican I think that being able to make your own choices outweighs having the government/authority take care of everything for you.