Stop. You are being ridiculous with this comparison. CA has plenty of social and fiscal problems but arguing its economy is worse than MT is crazy-talk. Starting a business may be easier in MT, until you need employees with specific skills. I always like that CNBC ranking of “Best state to start a business” or whatever it is called. It is basically best places to be an owner and shaft employees.
Here is 2023. CA ranks higher than MT. I assume for the reason I mentioned.
America's Top States for Business 2023: See the full rankings
https://www.cnbc.com/2023/07/11/ame...are|com.apple.UIKit.activity.CopyToPasteboard
You could also look at how much a state relies on the Federal government for its economy.
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