As companies leave California, is the state’s $4.25 trillion economy really in trouble?
As companies leave California, is the state’s $4.25 trillion economy really in trouble?
- October 22, 2026
- David Neumark, economics, shares expert insight with the Los Angeles Times
-----
A PPIC study released in December found that the number of business regulations in the state totaled about 1,300, with the average business subject to eight, falling broadly in the categories of environmental, health and industry. … California has long prided itself as a regulatory trailblazer, whether to preserve its coastline, reduce air pollution, protect gig workers, ensure data privacy or battle climate change. But David Neumark, a UC Irvine economist and co-author of the PPIC study, said the findings indicate California could be ripe for a broad regulatory review. “I certainly think if a new governor were to say, ‘We’re going to really scrutinize regulation,’” Neumark said. “If it’s not doing anything, or if there’s good reason to believe the cost outweighs the benefit, which I’m sure it does in some cases, let’s get rid of it instead of keeping it. But that doesn’t mean we would jettison all our regulations.”
For the full story, please visit the LA Times.
-----
Would you like to get more involved with the social sciences? Email us at communications@socsci.uci.edu to connect.
Related News Items
- Careet RightEstablishment-level evidence on California's fast-food minimum wage
- Careet RightAs companies leave California, is the state's $4.25 trillion economy really in trouble?
- Careet RightGovernment regulations, AI and employment
- Careet RightEconomists have found an answer to slowing cognitive decline: Avoid retiring early, study finds
- Careet RightThe 'living wage' attack on jobs and prosperity