Louisiana is Dead Last, Even Mississippi is Better

Every governor since Huey P. Long has promised to make Louisiana the best. I guess every one of them lied to us. Gee, what a surprise.

I wonder if the folks in Baton Rouge are proud of the news. I have to tell you, as a citizen of Louisiana, the latest U.S. News & World Report's "Best States" ranking list is a bit troubling, to say the least. The report has Louisiana dead last, number 50.

We used to be able to pick on Mississippi who was always dead last, well not anymore, this time it's us.

According to U.S. News & World Report, the rankings were compiled using, "extensive and reliable governmental and private sources as well as proprietary data including a national survey of what matters most to citizens around the country". Eight main categories were measured.

Health Care

The highest-weighted ranking looks at health care access and affordability, health care quality and health outcomes for citizens.-U.S. News & World Report

Education

The education ranking measures how well states educate students in preschool, K-12 and different levels of higher education.-U.S. News & World Report

Economy

The economy ranking tracks unemployment rates, GDP growth, migration into the state, patents, new business and more.-U.S. News & World Report

Infrastructure

The infrastructure rankings gauge the quality of states' bridges, public transportation, power grids, broadband and more.-U.S. News & World Report

Opportunity

This ranking measures poverty, housing affordability and equality for women, minorities and people with disabilities.-U.S. News & World Report

Fiscal Stability

This ranking tracks states' government credit ratings, liquidity, pension fund liability and budget balancing.-U.S. News & World Report

Crime & Corrections

Crime & Corrections ranks states based on public safety and the quality and fairness of their prison systems, including racial bias.-U.S. News & World Report

Natural Environment

The natural environment ranking looks at the quality of air and water in a state, as well as exposure to pollution and toxins.-U.S. News & World Report

Overall, Louisiana ranked #46 in healthcare, #48 in education, #47 in economy, #47 in infrastructure, #48 in opportunity, #42 in fiscal stability, #50 in crime and corrections and #49 in natural environment.