Trust me, I've lived in Pa now for 3 years; the previous 37 in Texas; There is NO comparison.
There are simply many more taxes and regulations here; it's almost hard to describe if you don't experience it.
I file FOUR tax returns: Federal, State, School District AND Township
I pay property taxes TWICE a year; two different amounts, from two different taxing authorities; toll roads out the ass; an annual $52 "Priviledge of Working" tax...it's kind of unbelievable. That doesn't count the Union control and corporate hostility. overseas; these States are losing thousands of jobs to more conservative states. The economy sucks, and has for pretty much ever. The only bright spot now is they've found a HUGE natural gas deposit; it'll save the area IN SPITE of the onerous govt.
To know the success/failure of liberal vs. conservative policies; look at the states as your model. It's so obvious, it's ridiculous.