Introduction and Methodology

Results and Rankings

Rankings for 12 Factors for Each State

List of Tables Included:

Negative Factors

1. Percent Change in Toxic Air Emissions: 1996 to 2005
2. Percent Change in Toxic Releases to Surface Water: 1996 to 2005
3. Percent Change in Per Capita Energy-Related Carbon Dioxide Emissions: 1994 to 2003
4. Percent Change in Average Annual Family Coverage Health Insurance Premium per Enrolled Employee: 1996 to 2004
5. Change in Percent of Population Not Covered by Health Insurance: 1996 to 2005
6. Change in Percent of Children Not Covered by Health Insurance: 1996 to 2005
7. Percent Change in Poverty Rate: 1996 to 2005
8. Change in Percent of Households with Food Insecurity: 1998 to 2005
9. Percent Change in Per Capita State and Local Government Tax Revenue: 1996 to 2005
10. Percent Change in Violent Crime Rate: 1996 to 2005
11. Percent Change in Murder Rate: 1996 to 2005

Positive Factors

12. Percent Change in Per Pupil Public Elementary and Secondary School Current Expenditures: 1996 to 2005