An index designed by BMO Capital to gauge the relative financial strength of the 50 states - measuring bond quality ratings, home price movements, actual and projected budget deficits, etc. - rates Arizona, Illinois, California and Nevada as weakest. Only four states register positive readings: North Dakota, Alaska, West Virginia and Indiana.
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California ranks 3rd last in financial-strength test January 5, 2011 | 8:00 am
Bad as it is, the economic and fiscal mess facing California Gov. Jerry Brown isn’t the worst among the 50 states: At least by one measure, Arizona and Illinois have the Golden State beat for financial misery as the new year begins.