A recent CNBC study titled "Top States for Business" has sparked controversy by ranking Florida and Texas among the worst states to live and work, despite these states experiencing significant population growth. The study's methodology prioritizes "Life, Health, and Inclusion," leading to criticism from some conservatives who argue that the rankings are biased against red states.

While acknowledging the strong economic opportunities in Texas and Florida, CNBC criticizes their policies on abortion, LGBTQ+ rights, voting rights, and healthcare. Specifically, the report calls out Florida Governor Ron DeSantis's "War on Woke" and Texas's restrictive abortion laws as contributing factors to their low rankings.

The study contrasts these states with Vermont, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Washington, which received high marks for their inclusive policies and access to healthcare. The emphasis on "inclusion" in the study's methodology reflects the growing importance of diversity and equity in attracting workers, according to the authors.

Critics of the study point to the high net migration rates of Florida and Texas, arguing that these numbers contradict the study's negative assessment. They suggest that the study's focus on "inclusion" may reflect a political bias rather than an objective evaluation of quality of life. Some have even drawn comparisons to previous instances where media outlets have been criticized for misrepresenting migration data related to Florida.