California Gets Low Grade for Economic Development Potential

The Corporation for Enterprise Development has given California a grade of “C” for economic development potential. The state is among the top 10 in long-term employment growth, and Californians generally enjoy high pay. but the state has the nation’s second-lowest homeownership rates and one of the widest margins of income inequality, according to the CFED’s 20th Development Report Card for the States. Also, the state’s public education system — in the bottom five of the 50 states in funding per student and proficiency test scores, and No. 48 for high school graduation rates — hurts the development capacity score. Connecticut and Delaware were straight-A states, while five states — Colorado, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Utah and Wisconsin – made the honor roll with all “A’s” and “B’s.”. West Virginia received the worst grades- flunking all three catego.