1.
Which state attracted the most people who moved from state-to-state in the last three years?
Correct Answer
C. Texas
Explanation
Answer: Texas. Between 2010 and 2013, Texas was the strongest people magnet, drawing more than 400,000 movers. Florida was second, followed by the Carolinas and Colorado. Texas is also home to half of the top 10 cities with significant growth: Austin, San Antonio, Houston, Fort Worth and Dallas. (Source: Census Bureau)
2.
Which state pays its legislators the most?
Correct Answer
A. California
Explanation
Answer: California. State legislators in the Golden State earn nearly $91,000 in salary each year, higher than in any other state in 2014. On the low end, New Hampshire’s part-time lawmakers make just $200 per two-year term. Find out how much your state’s legislators are paid and compare with other states in this Stateline data visualization. (Source: National Conference of State Legislatures)
3.
Where do property taxes make up the highest percentage of state and local taxes?
Correct Answer
D. New Hampshire
Explanation
Answer: New Hampshire. Property taxes in New Hampshire make up 63 percent of state and local tax collections, highest in the nation. Lowest? Delaware and North Dakota at about 16 percent. (Source: Tax Foundation)
4.
True or False: One in 10 children has asthma.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
True. Nationwide, 7 million children suffer from asthma, with a price tag for treatment of almost $12 billion each year. (Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
5.
Which state has the highest percentage of manufacturing jobs?
Correct Answer
B. Indiana
Explanation
Answer: Indiana has the highest percentage of jobs in manufacturing, at 16.4 percent. Wisconsin is second at 16.1 percent. (Source: National Association of Manufacturers)
6.
True or False: In Florida, more than six in 10 houses were paid for with cash.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
True. A stunning 64 percent of all home sales in early 2014 in Florida were cash-only purchases. New York (59 percent) and Alabama (56 percent) rounded out the top three states. (Source: RealtyTrac)
7.
Which state has raised college tuition more than 80 percent since the recession?
Correct Answer
A. Arizona
Explanation
Answer: Arizona has increased tuition at state colleges and universities by 80.6 percent since the 2007-2008 school year. In Florida and Georgia, tuition rose 66 percent. (Source: Center on Budget and Policy Priorities)
8.
True or False: There are more payday lenders in Louisiana than McDonald's restaurants.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
True. About 57,000 Louisiana households take out a payday loan each year. The state has 936 payday lenders and 230 McDonald’s. Nationwide, 12 million borrowers take out high-cost payday loans each year. (Source: Louisiana Budget Project)
9.
True or False: The nation's labor participation rate (the number employed or actively looking) is higher than it has ever been.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
False. Over the last five years, the national job participation rate has dropped to 63.2 percent—the lowest level since 1978. In 2008, as the recession kicked in, it was 66 percent. (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics)
10.
Which state has the most highway miles with tolls?
Correct Answer
C. Oklahoma
Explanation
Answer: Oklahoma. The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority has jurisdiction over 606 miles of tolled roadway. New York is second with 570 miles and Pennsylvania third at 545 miles. (Source: International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association)