George Gibbs Center for Economic Prosperity

STATEMENT RELEASE: Flor⁠i⁠da Ranks F⁠i⁠rs⁠t⁠ ⁠i⁠n new Merca⁠t⁠us S⁠t⁠udy as Mos⁠t⁠ F⁠i⁠scally Respons⁠i⁠ble S⁠t⁠a⁠t⁠e

By: The James Madison Institute / 2017

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 19, 2017

CONTACT: Logan Pike 850-386-3131

Florida Ranks First in new Mercatus Study as Most Fiscally Responsible State

On July 11, 2017, the Mercatus Center at George Mason University ranked Florida first out of all 50 states in the 2017 edition of the Center’s State Fiscal Rankings. The study ranks each US state’s financial health based on short- and long-term debt and other key fiscal obligations, such as unfunded pensions and healthcare benefits.After consistently remaining in the top 10, the Sunshine State has jumped to number 1, beating out the competition as the most fiscally responsible state.

“Florida’s fiscal success has certainly not come overnight.The American Dream is alive and well in the Sunshine State, thanks to acombination of fiscal restraint, lower taxes and fewer regulations which havecreated greater economic opportunities and prosperity for all Floridians,” said Dr. J. Robert McClure, JMI president and CEO.

While JMI applauds and congratulates Governor Scott, President Negron, and Speaker Corcoran, much credit should also be given to those who came before – people like Jeb Bush, Allan Bense, Toni Jennings, Jeff Atwater, Marco Rubio, and Will Weatherford. These and many others shepherded the state and created an environment in which fiscal conservatism and free enterprise could flourish. And now Floridians are reaping the benefits.

The report can be accessed at: http://www.mercatus.org/statefiscalrankings