Oklahoma named Ninth Worst-Run State in America

A recent report from 24/7 Wall Street has named Oklahoma as the ninth worst-run state in America. The report cites a 4.9% unemployment rating, Aa2 credit rating, and negative credit outlook as contributing factors.

According to the report, 16.3% of Oklahomans live on poverty-level income compared to 14% of Americans. 13.8% of Oklahomans are uninsured. Falling oil prices coupled with tax decreases have led to major budget cuts in the public health and school systems in recent years. 

The same report names Minnesota as the best-run state and Louisiana as the worst.

The report has been issued annually since 2010. Oklahoma was ranked as the 34th best state in 2016, down from 25th from 2014 to 2015. It was 33rd from 2012 to 2013, 28th in 2011, and 32nd in 2010. 

In February Oklahoma was named 35th on the 24/7 list of best and worst states for business, citing low corporate tax rates, right-to-work laws, and low unionization as pros, but pointing to a shortage of educated workforce as a major roadblock. 

In January Oklahoma was named the eighth-worst state to grow old in by another 24/7 report.