The flight from California is about to reduce the state’s political influence

The exodus of businesses and residents from California could have political consequences.

The Washington Examiner reports that California’s population growth rate has dropped off so much so that the state is likely to lose both a congressional seat in the House of Representatives and one vote in the Electoral College. 

The numbers

The San Diego Tribune reports that it has been more than a century since California has seen population growth numbers this low.

“The California Department of Finance, which monitors the state’s population data, found that from July 1, 2019, to July 1, 2020, California saw a net gain of only 21,200 new residents — a 0.05% growth rate not seen since 1900,” the outlet reports.

The data collected by the state indicates that some 135,000 people left the state, which is more than have moved there by about 40,000. What appears to be driving that 0.05 percent growth rate is that there have been more births than deaths. It ought to be noted, though, that the birth rate, too, is decreasing.

What’s happening?

The causes of the exodus are manifold, but, in some way or other, they all relate back to the state’s far-left government.

A far-left government means a big government which means big taxes, and these big taxes are certainly one of the main causes of the exodus. The Tribune included in its report testimony from an ex-California resident named Scott Fuller. He explained that for himself “the tipping point was continued tax increases and even more proposed tax increases.”

Another cause that is currently driving droves of people away from California is the coronavirus. While higher taxes have made it less profitable to live in the state, overbearing coronavirus restrictions have made the state less pleasant to live in. This is why some big businesses, in particular, including Tesla and Oracle, have left.

But, people are also leaving for the same reason, especially considering that they can now work remotely from just about anywhere.

Looking forward

Two of the consequences of this exodus could be that California loses both a seat in Congress and an Electoral College vote.

In 2010, California did not gain any seats in Congress for the first time in its history. If it does go on to lose a seat, this too will be a first.

The state that prides itself on being America’s “progressive” leader appears to be regressing before our eyes.

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