Louisiana’s Return to Glory: Jonathan Williams on the Moon Griffon Show
From tax cuts to education freedom and energy reform, Louisiana is rewriting its economic story and climbing the ranks.
States across America are proving that the best ideas don’t come from Washington, but from state capitols where leaders are closest to the people. Bold reforms, innovative policies, and a willingness to compete are transforming state economies and giving families more opportunity. Louisiana is one of those states, and its recent policy moves have put it firmly on the path to success.
That’s what ALEC President and Chief Economist Jonathan Williams told Moon Griffon during a recent appearance on the Moon Griffon Show. Calling Louisiana “one of the best policy turnaround stories in the country,” he pointed to recent tax reforms – including the new 3% flat tax and elimination of the business franchise tax – as driving the state’s rise in ALEC’s Rich States, Poor States rankings. In this year’s edition, Louisiana climbed 13 spots and was the single biggest mover in the nation.
Education reform has been another bright spot. Williams praised the creation of the GATOR Scholarship Program as a major step toward expanding school choice.
“Getting the policy right is the essential first step,” he said. “The second step is expanding it and including it to be truly universal for any family across the state.”
Energy policy has also fueled the comeback. With new legislation defining natural gas and nuclear power as “clean energy” – a common-sense move rooted in ALEC model policy – Louisiana is now positioned as a leader in America’s push for energy independence. Combined with tort reform and efforts to bring down insurance costs, Louisiana is shedding its old reputation as a laggard and building growth.
But these are merely steps in the path back to prosperity. The state’s ultimate success will depend on Louisiana’s leaders maintaining momentum.
“That’s why this idea of continuous improvement,” Williams explained. “Whether it’s a GATOR plan or continual tax reform, that’s going to be essential to make sure that … this is going to be continuous improvement.”