Maryland ranked 31st in a CNBC listing of America's Top States for Business in 2018.
Maryland received A rankings for workforce and technology and innovation, but received an F in the cost of living.
Maryland also received a B ranking in access to capital; Cs in economy, education and business friendliness; and Ds in infrastructure, quality of life and cost of doing business, according to the CNBC report.
Kevin Rudolph
| Laura Toraldo Photography
Maryland Chamber of Commerce’s Senior Policy Analyst Kevin Rudolph said the ranking did not surprise the chamber.
"In fact, we see it as a helpful tool in showing where Maryland is secure and where the state can continue to improve," Rudolph said in an interview with Maryland State Wire. "We do understand CNBC’s statement that 'the workforce in the Old Line State is excellent. But it is expensive to live here.'"
Rudolph said Marylanders pride themselves on having an education system that is second to none, and continue to support and develop programs that give students the skills to succeed in the workforce and take on high-skilled, high-wage positions.
"It is expensive to live here, and that is in part due to many archaic and onerous regulations and mandates that add to business expenses, which therefore add to consumer expenses," Rudolph said.
While the cost of doing business in Maryland is high, many believe that it’s getting better, Rudolph said.
"More businesses are expanding or moving back to Maryland and this is in no small part due to the work of business coalitions working together with state officials and lawmakers to eliminate unnecessary and costly laws and regulations," Rudolph said. "The Maryland Chamber feels strongly about the importance of vetting new laws and regulations to make sure they do not impede on business retention and growth."
Rudolph said as long as Maryland businesses work together, the chamber is confident that Maryland will be a top state for business.
Texas was ranked first overall and Alaska was ranked last in the report.
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