No. 9Louisiana
Its high-tech side emerges by landing major IBM site for Baton Rouge, and entrepreneurism grows. But Louisiana still mostly lags rest of top 10 “Best States” in tax-friendliness.
Governor: Bobby Jindal (Republican)
Tax Foundation rank: 33
ALEC-Laffer Economic Outlook rank: 28
Kauffman Foundation Index of Entrepreneurial Activity (2012) rank: 10
Total Nonfarm Employment Percentage Growth (2013): 9
Economic-development contact: Louisiana Economic Development, 800/450-8115, www.OpportunityLouisiana.com; Stephen Moret, Secretary