It’s about time Kansas calls it quits on this ongoing pity party it’s been indulging in for some time now.
Recently, United Vanlines posted their 2016 National Movers Study on their website. The post lists the top 10 states people moved out of, and the top 10 states people moved into in 2016. KAKE News posted an abbreviated version of the story on their website Tuesday.
The comments that followed were mostly critical of Kansas’ high property taxes, and blamed the lack of things to do and the lack of good paying jobs for driving people out of the state. That’s not the full story though.
According to United Vanlines, ““This year’s data clearly reflects retirees’ location preferences. We are seeing more retirees than ever decide to relocate, and as a result, new retirement hubs are popping up in Western states.”
While some Kansans may be moving away in search of better job prospects, it is conceivable that many others are moving for retirement, and with so many “Baby Boomers” reaching retirement age, it’s a trend the country will see more of in coming years to be sure.
Meanwhile, for those of us choosing to call Kansas home, it’s time to stop beating ourselves up. There is opportunity for those willing to work hard and build something lasting. That, after all, is what Kansas was built on. Pioneers chose to face the odds in order to make something out of nothing. They didn’t come here expecting jobs to already be here, and they didn’t come expecting to be entertained.
Those states people are moving to most haven’t always been number one in that category either. They’ve experienced low points and out-migration too, but the faithful found businesses that needed transitioning, and dreamed of new industries that have since risen to the top.
New legislation is needed now to ensure those willing to move forward with starting and growing businesses in this state can do so without stumbling blocks in the way. As the 2017 session begins in Topeka Monday, it’s up to those newly elected and reelected to heed the message voters sent in November and pave the way.