Delaware showed a sharp improvement in its economic climate, according to the annual survey by Forbes Magazine.
The state now ranks 21th of the list, up a dozen spots. Nearby Virginia ranked second, with Utah in the No. 1 slot.
Cited as reasons for the improved standing was an improved economic climate and outlook, with household incomes expected to increase 3.13 percent annually over the next five years.
Maine ranked at the bottom of the list, which takes into account the regulatory climate, taxes and other factors.
A story accompanying the ranking took note of the fact that nearly all fo the top-ranked states had right to work laws that allow those represented by unions to not pay dues.
A Republican effort in Michigan is expected to make it into a right to work state. Backers claim that the law will bring in jobs. That claim is contested by unions that have noted the continuing economic recovery of the state.
Aiding many states were abundant natural resources. Two examples were North Dakota and Texas.
Massachusetts, known for a tough regulatory climate, ranked above Delaware, thanks to its top universities such as Harvard and MIT.
Click on THIS LINK for the story and photos.
