States Show the Way on Fiscal Policy: Jonathan Williams on American Radio Journal

In his recent American Radio Journal commentary, ALEC Executive Vice President of Policy and Chief Economist Jonathan Williams explained why the federal government should look to the states for sound fiscal policy.

The 50 states, the laboratories of democracy, have shown that real policy solutions to real policy problems are free market solutions that seek to limit or reduce the role of the big government in the lives of hard-working American taxpayers. August 23rd begins the of the presidential debate of the 2024 cycle the next president, republican or democrat should look to the states where a vision of what a prosperous America could look like. 

In short, how does America emulate the success of the states that are economic powerhouses like Texas and Florida? By avoiding same big government states that states are being made like the federal government, states like New York and California that are hemorrhaging American businesses. For the economy competitive pro-growth policy should be the goal.

The best way to position the economy for growth is to reform and simplify the tax code and cut rates and of course, avoid the elimination and expiration of the Trump tax cuts 2017 tax cuts Jobs Act that goes away if Congress does nothing by the end of 2025 for individuals.  A simpler, more transparent, neutral and predictable tax code, principles that are in line with the ALEC principles of taxation, will allow Americans to keep more of their hard-earned dollars. Taxes are just one side of the fiscal coin, as getting spending in check is crucial for economic growth. Engaging in more of a priority-based budgeting system like states have can help Congress choose which government programs are essential and which can and should be cut in many cases.