OPINION:
When it comes to cultivating entrepreneurs, Virginia has a few lessons to teach California. Last week, the Old Dominion retained the top five spot on CNBC’s “Top State for Business” list, which it has held since 2018, despite recent cuts to the federal workforce that have sunk the economy in the D.C. suburbs.
Gov. Glenn Youngkin has been bragging about the $121 billion in private-sector investment he has overseen. Big-name companies, including Amazon, the LEGO Group and Hilton, have been expanding their operations in the state.
With perfect weather, abundant natural resources and a surplus of highly educated technology workers, the Golden State should have no rival. Instead, it achieves a pathetic, middle-of-the-pack finish on CNBC’s ranking. That’s because the state Legislature’s Democratic supermajority created the worst possible environment for commerce, surpassed only by New York and New Jersey.
Recognizing this, Fortune 500 heavyweights such as Charles Schwab, Chevron,