State Ranking & Economic Factors - Massachusetts surges 18 spots in ranking after a previous drop of 23 places [1] - Massachusetts is the second most expensive state to do business in and one of the least business-friendly [2] - The state is among the least dependent on a shrinking federal government, which helps insulate its economy [2] Research Funding & Challenges - Massachusetts is a major recipient of federal research grants, which are under fire by the Trump administration [2] - The state passed $1 billion for life sciences and climate technology research [2] - State funding may not compensate for potential loss of federal research dollars [3]