Under the current economic system we need constant population and economic growth. Either that, or cut all government benefits for the elderly to the bone, and government debt along with it. Or full-on socialism. Not much middle ground.

If it sounds like a destructive ponzi scheme, it is. But believe me, the status quo is easier and kinder in the short term.

We are just trying to stay above water here. Population decline is really bad; it leads to decaying towns, overburdened healthcare systems, bankrupt social security, etc.

Maybe if our governor A) acknowledged the cost of living problem and B) did anything at all to try to alleviate it (like idk, forcing selfish towns to allow houses to be built?), people would feel like they could actually stay here.