New Jersey Ranks No. 14 in U.S. News & World Report’s Best States Rankings – Analysis and Response by NJ Chamber

New Jersey Climbs to No. 14 in U.S. News Best States Rankings

In the latest edition of the U.S. News & World Report Best States rankings, New Jersey has climbed five spots to land at a respectable No. 14. The rankings, which evaluate all 50 states in categories such as health care, education, economy, infrastructure, opportunity, fiscal stability, crime & corrections, and natural environment, saw Utah claim the top spot this year, followed by New Hampshire, Nebraska, Minnesota, and Idaho rounding out the top five.

New Jersey’s performance in the report card revealed strengths in education and health care, where the state ranked at No. 4 in both categories. However, areas like infrastructure, economy, natural environment, opportunity, and fiscal stability showed room for improvement, with rankings ranging from No. 16 to No. 48.

In response to the rankings, the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce highlighted both the positive and negative aspects of the evaluation. While applauding the overall assessment, the Chamber raised concerns about the state’s No. 48 ranking for fiscal stability. Chamber President and CEO Tom Bracken emphasized the importance of not exacerbating weaknesses highlighted in the surveys, particularly in relation to Governor Phil Murphy’s proposed corporate transit fee.

The corporate transit fee, a 2.5% surcharge on the state’s most profitable businesses, has sparked controversy among business groups in the state, with concerns that it could deter future investments and hinder economic growth over the long term. The Chamber stressed the need to support New Jersey’s businesses, which play a crucial role in employing thousands of residents.

As New Jersey continues to strive for improvement across various metrics, the latest rankings serve as a reminder of the state’s strengths and areas in need of attention. Stay tuned for further updates on New Jersey’s progress in the U.S. News Best States rankings.