Utah Leads, New York Lags in 2025 Economic Outlook: Jonathan Williams on Real America’s Voice
Utah is the fastest growing state in America... a leader over the last decade when it comes to GDP growth, job growth and even population growth.
In a recent interview with Real America’s Voice host Steve Gruber, ALEC President Jonathan Williams shared his highlights from Salt Lake City about the release of the 18th edition of Rich States, Poor States. The interview covered Utah’s economic success, New York’s economic struggles, the ongoing changes in Ohio, Iowa and Michigan and more.
Starting off with the Beehive State, Williams pointed to Utah’s “record of limited government, lower taxes,” and a forward-looking mindset. “Other states across the country want to catch Utah,” he said, “but Utah looks around the corner and says, what do we need to do to stay at the top and empower our taxpayers?”
According to Williams, Utah posted more than 4.5% GDP growth in the last 12 months—leading the nation. “The proof is in the pudding,” he added. “Utah is the fastest growing state in America… a leader over the last decade when it comes to GDP growth, job growth and even population growth.”
At the bottom of the list, New York remains 50th. “They’ve been dead last for 12 years in a row,” Williams noted. “It’s the toxic mix Ronald Reagan warned us of… If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. If it stops moving, subsidize it.”
States like Ohio and Iowa have improved in the rankings due to “more conservative legislators begin take office” and “cutting taxes and pro job creation,” Williams said. “In Iowa’s case, it kicked off the flat tax revolution… they’ve both been incredible turnaround stories.”
By contrast, the state of Michigan has declined. “Michigan falls this year,” he said, citing the repeal of right-to-work laws and “gridlock for the next two years.”
Gruber emphasized the core message: “Limited government, lower taxes, right to work—these things help states to be economically powerful.”