Explain this wingnuts; VT rated as one of the worst states to do business in: Unemployment 4%

[naturallyselected]

58. Agreed

In some ways it seems like it would be easier for Maine to attract more small business than Vermont because at least the SW part of the state is so close to Boston. And if just that part of the state is compared, the unemployment rates are comparable.

There are progressive ways to create and maintain a small business friendly environment. I don't know enough about Vermont to be able to say, here are the things Vermont does that Maine doesn't. But there may well be things we could learn from Vermont.

Maine and Vermont have one very negative thing in common. They are old, numbers 1 and 2 in the country, and this is a real problem for both states. Even with low unemployment rates, young professionals often have to leave to find work. Too much employment in both states revolves around tourism. As more young people leave, it becomes harder to attract business. Without professional jobs, more young people leave. This cycle needs to be short-circuited.

When I travel to places like California, I see young people, I see ethnic diversity, things seem more alive, more vibrant, and I think about how in Maine I just get used to seeing an old, white, population, and start thinking it is normal. Low unemployment or not, Maine and Vermont need to do something about this demographic problem, both for long-term economic viability, and our quality of life.