Sununu lauds news mag report that finds N.H. is country's #2 Best State

Gov. Chris Sununu, N.H. bask in the limelight following report by news magazine. (Courtesy photo)

CONCORD - New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu took time out to exult in a recent U.S. News & World Report study that recognized New Hampshire as the #2 Best State in the Nation. Last year, New Hampshire was ranked as the 6th "Best State."

"As the Freest State in the Nation with the second lowest tax burden in the Country, and the #1 state for Public Safety, New Hampshire is the envy of the nation," said Sununu. "The proof is in the pudding: when you cut taxes, spend money wisely, and slash overbearing, burdensome regulations like we've done in New Hampshire, freedom and the economy flourish."

In addition to #2 overall, New Hampshire ranked high in the following categories:

#1 for Crime and Corrections
#1 for Public Safety
#1 for Corrections Outcomes
#1 for Economic Opportunity
#1 for Internet Access
#2 for lowest Pollution
#4 for Equality
#4 for Pre-K-12 Education
#6 for Health Care Access
#7 for Economy

According to U.S. News, "in its sixth edition, the U.S. News Best States rankings draw upon more than 70 metrics and tens of thousands of data points to measure how well U.S. states are performing for their citizens. In addition to health care and education, the metrics assess a state's economy; its roads, bridges, internet access and other infrastructure; its public safety record; the fiscal stability of state government; and the opportunity it affords its residents. More weight was accorded to metric categories than others, based on surveys of what matters most to people."