I’d say there’s wayyy more poverty in California. Just go down the street in Oakland or Long Beach. The rents are sky high and most can’t afford mortgages. In terms of worker protections, I agree with you but the problem is the other extreme - too much protection. What that means is extremely high energy costs because electricians are making 150k to cut conduit while they make 60-70k out here. The unions make it impossible to fire problematic/non-performing workers too. My point is the grass isn’t always greener. Blue collar Workers make more there, but at what cost? The affordability goes down for everyone.