New York is the “least free” state of any in the nation because of its high taxes and heavy-handed rules controlling daily life, according to a study released Monday. The Cato Institute analysis ranked New York dead last for economic and personal freedom. New Hampshire, which has no sales tax and whose motto is “Live Free or Die,” was ranked No. 1. By comparison, New York symbolizes big government run amok, the report from the conservative libertarian group said. “New York looks set to remain the least free state for many years to come,” the group said. …