Illinois 41st in State Freedom Index

by Brian Costin A new study out by the Mercatus Center of George Mason University shows that Illinois ranks poorly when it comes to Freedom amongst the states. This study comprehensively ranks the American states on their public policies that affect individual freedoms in the economic, social, and personal spheres.   Here’s Illinois’s rankings in each of the categories. 27/50 regulatory policy...

by Brian Costin

A new study out by the Mercatus Center of George Mason University shows that Illinois ranks poorly when it comes to Freedom amongst the states.

This study comprehensively ranks the American states on their public policies that affect individual freedoms in the economic, social, and personal spheres.

Here’s Illinois’s rankings in each of the categories.

• 27/50 regulatory policy
• 26/50 fiscal policy
• 49/50 personal freedom
• 29/50 economic freedom
• 41/50 overall freedom

The study measured public policies up to 2009.

Perhaps the most interesting (and interactive) part of the study was the State Freedom Calculator, which allows users to see how individual states rankings would change if certain policy changes were enacted.

Illinois’s personal and corporate income tax increases of 2011 were not included, and would significantly hurt Illinois’s fiscal policy score in future rankings. On the other hand, Illinois recently passed a civil unions law would improve the personal freedom score.