Here on the west coast, where houses cost 600,00+ and the cost of living is the highest in the nation, We know that there are more states that have a lower cost of living and cheaper housing. The general consensus is that the workers in those other states can afford to take another pay cut, and will do so, but on the west coast, we can't afford any more pay cuts. and will be forced to do so even if we all vote "NO" on the contract.
You need to come over & live with us hellbillys. The last vehicle I bought used probably cost the same as your monthly water bill! Seriously, I know our buying power has slipped tremendously since the recession& pay cuts.lets hope we can make it better.