Kansas named a “Top 10 Pro-Business State”

Kansas has achieved the ranking of a top 10 pro-business state, in a new 50-state survey published by a leading national corporate relocation firm. This is the second time that Kansas has made the list, considered the “gold standard” by American business leaders.

“As the nation’s economy continues to struggle, in Kansas we’ve made smart investments in our schools and workers while making strategic tax cuts to create jobs. As a result, the Kansas economy remains strong,” said Governor Kathleen Sebelius. “The cost of health insurance is an increasing burden for businesses; so the next step must be to tackle comprehensive health care reform if we want to remain among the top pro-business states.”

The annual report by Pollina Corporate Real Estate, Inc. analyzes 29 factors that affect the ability of states to attract new businesses, or encourage existing businesses to expand within a state. 

Pollina has been ranking states for five years using such factors as taxes, quality of life, human resources, labor, education, infrastructure, and incentive programs — all vital to staying competitive in a global economy. 

According to Pollina Corporate president, Dr. Ronald R. Pollina, “In these tough times of global competition for jobs, most states simply do not understand what they must do to compete.  Kansas has positioned itself to meet the challenge.  To make our Top 10, you need a governor and legislature that has a 21st Century global view.”

Pollina said that other states would be well-served in following Kansas’ lead by creating a low-tax, low-red tape, and pro-job growth business climate. He also emphasized the importance of investing in schools as a way to ensure Americans can continue to compete in the global marketplace.

The complete 50-state ranking is at www.pollina.com and is based on information gathered in 2007.

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