You can't really discuss this topic without discussing pay. One of the largest airlines in the state start their pilots at $2,200/month.  If you show up t work sober you don't need a high school diploma to make that sort of money in town.

Basically, entry level pilots are paid in this state as if they don't have a specialized skill. There is no shortage of pilots in this state, there is simply a shortage of people willing to work for peanuts.

Incidentally, this pay scale issue also plays a role in our frequent and avoidable fatal accidents in the industry.