Montgomery Advertiser, November 16, 2004

Alabama's "economic freedom" is on the decline, according to a study released today by "Forbes Magazine" and the Pacific Research Institute. The study, "U.S. Economic Freedom Index: 2004 Report," ranks Alabama as 25th among all states in economic freedom.

The study rates states according to several factors affecting economic freedom, including government size and amount of regulation. Kansas was No. 1 in the study and New York came in last.

"The index is an important tool for policymakers and for improving public understanding of the link between economic freedom and financial prosperity," said project Director Lawrence J. McQuillan in a prepared statement from the institute. "It is our hope that this index will contribute to future policy reforms that will strengthen and preserve economic freedom for all Americans."

According to the institute, "If all states ranked as free as Kansas, the annual income of an average working American would rise 4.42 percent, or $1,161, putting an additional $87,541 into his or her pocket over a 40-year working life."