The crisis in the Amazon is a stark example of the damage that can be done when governments bow unequivocally to business interests. It also highlights an increasingly common phenomenon: the cynical manipulation of anti-corruption efforts to undermine democracy and advance an authoritarian political agenda.

Some conservative economists argue that corruption can be benign, or even beneficial, as it enables economic actors to bypass regulations, thereby enabling markets to function more effectively.

While there may be instances of benign corruption, the truth is that corruption corrodes markets, protects incumbents from competitive challenges by impeding the entry of new actors, destroys the moral fabric of society, and stunts economic development.

Indeed, as Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) shows, there is a strong inverse correlation between development and corruption.

Source: Corrupt anti-corruption campaigns

The state’s struggles with retaining businesses and talent and with maintaining a balanced budget are not new. Moody’s downgraded Connecticut’s bonds in 2017, and debt obligations – particularly teacher pensions – continue to plague the budget. As people and companies leave, tax revenue declines, creating a gap in funding for expenses.

Now, a small army of Connecticut detractors is starting to unite. A Facebook group for “people who have left or are leaving Connecticut” has grown to nearly 5,000 members in three months.

Gripes about the state’s taxes and cost of living are common in the group, as are recommendations for relocation; Florida seems to be a favorite.

Source: Connecticut Hopes to Keep Companies, Residents From Leaving | Best States | US News