Texas has done it again.
The Lone Star State makes a triumphant return as America’s Top State for Business—its third time at the top of our rankings.
“Listen, there is a reason that Caterpillar [CAT 80.09 
-0.18 (-0.22%) 
] moved their hydraulics manufacturing and their engine manufacturing to the state of Texas,” said Gov. Rick Perry in November during the CNBC Republican presidential debate.
We can attest to that.
In our sixth annual study, Texas racked up an impressive 1,604 points out of a possible 2,500, with top-10 finishes in six of our 10 categories of competitiveness. Texas has never finished below second place since we began the study in 2007.
Each year, we score all 50 states on the criteria they use to sell themselves. This year’s analysis is the most comprehensive yet, using 51 metrics developed with the help of the National Association of Manufacturers and the Council on Competitiveness, as well as input from the states themselves.
This year’s categories and possible point totals are:
- Cost of Doing Business (350)
- Workforce (350)
- Quality of Life (350)
- Infrastructure & Transportation (325)
- Economy (325)
- Education (225)
- Technology & Innovation (225)
- Business Friendliness (200)
- Access to Capital (100)
- Cost of Living (50)
Congratulations to the Lone Star State, its Governor and its legislature for creating a successful environment for employers! Congratulations to Texas businesses and workers for their role in the State’s success! Would our Nation take note of the elements it will take to turn our country around. It is heartening to know there is a trail blazer showing the way.
My State has continued to turn a blind eye toward its future. It’s encouraging to find its beginning to get some publicity for the failures occasioned by its toxic ways.