ANALYSIS/OPINION:

“Escape from New York” is a 1980s film that takes place in a dystopian world of crime and violence. The science fiction movie portrays crime running rampant across the country — forcing the island of Manhattan to be reconfigured into a maximum-security prison. When the president of the United States crash-lands on the island, forces are deployed to get him out.

Although the situation in present day New York has not devolved to that level, residents are becoming increasingly determined to leave. According to recent U.S. Census and IRS data, a net 180,000 people fled the state in 2018 — the largest migration out of any area in the country. Nearly 1.4 million residents have left New York since 2010.

It’s not difficult to imagine why.

Recently-adopted statewide bail reform legislation has accompanied a surge of criminal activity. It’s particularly evident in the Big Apple. Under the new reform, pretrial detention and cash bail options are eliminated for many crimes. Criminal defendants who would otherwise be held in custody awaiting trial under the supervision of a judge are free to roam the streets.

Supporters argue the policy levels the playing field for those at all income levels. But there’s a catch. While it may take money out of the equation for people accused of crimes, it subjects everyone else to more criminal behavior. It’s especially concerning considering that many of the “non-violent” offenses included under the bail reform are not so “non-violent.” Vehicular manslaughter, third-degree assault and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon are among them.

New York City (NYC) is also failing to comply with federal immigration policy — subjecting its residents to even more danger. As a “sanctuary city,” NYC is protecting undocumented immigrants who are marked for deportation by the federal government. By refusing to work with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the city government policy most recently contributed to the murder of an elderly woman.

The financial health of New York is also deteriorating. The state’s top marginal tax rate is the second highest in the country, which is linked to a huge exodus of taxable income as well as estate taxes. As reported in The Wall Street Journal, over the last two years the state lost a net $18 billion in adjusted gross income. The shrinking tax base is contributing to budget shortfalls. The state is experiencing a $6 billion deficit — the largest since Gov. Andrew Cuomo took office.

NYC businesses are also feeling a squeeze — especially restaurants, which generally operate with modest profit margins of 2 percent or 3 percent. The city’s $15-an-hour minimum wage — more than double the federal standard — is forcing restaurants that can’t raise prices enough to cut back on staff hours, eliminate positions or close entirely. In a survey of 300-plus NYC full-service restaurants, 77 percent reported cutting staff and 36 percent laid-off employees in response to the wage increases.

When taking into account additional factors—including rent and tax burdens—New York is the second most expensive state for running a business. The American Legislative Exchange Council also ranks New York last in economic competitiveness.

What “benefits” do New York residents receive for living in this nightmare? Sky-high energy prices. Expensive fill-ups at the pump. And schools that fail to properly educate students. During the previous academic year, 140 NYC schools had nearly entire grade levels flunk state exams. As a world business and finance hub, is it too much to ask that NYC be able to teach its children how to read and perform simple arithmetic?

Instead of addressing the problem, NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio unequivocally opposes the big hope for improved education in the city: charter schools. Despite these schools regularly outperforming traditional public schools in the same area, the teachers union is opposed to their existence. The mayor listens to the union. Not kid’s parents.

The complete list of grievances about New York is a mile long and would be impossible to summarize given the length restrictions of this column. But one thing is evident: The once great Empire State has fallen from grace. Policies that curtail the rule of law, put residents at unnecessary risk and punish job creators are to blame.

If I were living in New York, I too would want to escape. Fortunately, I already did.

• Richard Berman is the president of Berman and Co., a public relations firm in Washington, D.C.

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