Some Red State/Blue State Indicia

California's outsized presence on the list is one interesting feature.

The complete absence of red state representation is another.

It is not a huge deal because they will be downstream to some pretty big technological spillovers. It is already happening to some extent.
 
Since AI is so popular here.

"As of early 2026, reports indicate that nearly $1 trillion in wealth has left California, driven by a proposed 5% "Billionaire Tax Act" on assets over $1 billion. Billionaires and high-net-worth individuals are relocating to states like Florida and Texas to avoid the one-time, retroactive tax, significantly impacting the state's projected tax revenue.
Key Details on the Exodus:
  • Proposed Tax: The 2026 Billionaire Tax Act targets individuals with assets exceeding $1 billion, including businesses, securities, and intellectual property.
  • Impact: Reports suggest about half of California's billionaire wealth has left. Venture capitalist Chamath Palihapitiya reported over $700 billion in wealth exited within one month.
  • Notable Moves: High-profile departures and relocations include Mark Zuckerberg, while others like Larry Page and Sergey Brin have shifted LLCs out of the state.
  • Consequences: The exodus threatens to reduce tax revenue and diminish the state's economic standing, causing concern about the financial burden shifting to the middle class.
  • Opposition: Despite support for funding public services, Governor Gavin Newsom has expressed opposition to this tax, citing the potential for competitive disadvantage and wealth flight.
The trend highlights the sensitivity of high-net-worth individuals to tax policy, particularly as remote work and flexible business locations increase."
 
"California has the nation's highest state poverty rate at 17.7% (tied with Louisiana), with approximately 7 million residents—particularly children and people of color—lacking resources for basic needs, often driven by high housing costs. Los Angeles County (19.9%–25%) and the Central Coast (19.3%) have the highest regional rates.
Key Data on California's Poverty Crisis
  • Highest Rate: California's Supplemental Poverty Measure (SPM) of 17.7% in 2024 is the highest in the US.
  • Impacted Populations: Renters, children, and people of color are disproportionately affected, with Black and Latinx residents experiencing poverty at higher rates.
  • Deep Poverty: Nearly 2 million Californians live in "deep poverty," defined as having resources below 50% of the poverty threshold.
  • Regional Variations: Los Angeles County (19.9%–25%) and the Central Coast (19.3%) are among the hardest hit areas.
  • Drivers: Skyrocketing cost of living, stagnant wages, and the expiration of pandemic-era safety net programs contribute to the high rates.
Regional and Demographic Breakdowns
  • Counties: Los Angeles County has among the highest rates (19.9% to 25%), followed by the Central Coast.
  • Cities: San Francisco's rate was reported at roughly 20% in 2023.
  • Race & Ethnicity: Black (23.3%) and Latine (22.7%) residents experience significantly higher poverty rates compared to white residents (13.3%).
  • Children: Child poverty in the state has more than doubled since 2021.
Despite having one of the world's largest economies, the state's high cost of living, particularly in housing, makes it challenging for millions of residents to afford basic necessities. "
 
"While California features top-tier universities, its K-12 public education system often ranks among the nation's worst due to significant disparities. Despite high overall spending, ~75% of students lack proficiency in core subjects, with cities like Visalia, Modesto, and Bakersfield ranking among the least educated in the U.S..
Key findings regarding low-performing California education:
  • Low Rankings: WalletHub ranked California among the least educated states in 2025.
  • Poor City Performance: Visalia, Modesto, and Bakersfield are ranked among the least-educated cities in the U.S..
  • Achievement Gaps: About 75% of California students lack proficiency in core subjects. Only 27% of eighth graders demonstrated proficiency in a sample math problem.
  • Inequality: A significant divide exists between wealthy districts and poorer districts with aging, deteriorating facilities.
  • School Funding: Despite a $128 billion K-12 budget, California has historically faced challenges in per-pupil funding compared to other states.
Despite these challenges, some reports in 2026 suggest the state has seen an increase in overall rankings in certain metrics, yet it remains on lists for lowest educational attainment. "
 
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