The Launch of Rich States, Poor States: Jonathan Williams with Mike Ferguson on Newstalk STL
In the top states, we are seeing some real economic turnaround stories, as well as the perennial powerhouse stories of states that have continually got it right.
Jonathan Williams, Chief Economist and EVP of Policy at the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), talked with Mike Ferguson on NewstalkSTL about the new Rich States, Poor States rankings that were just released. The rankings indicate how states can encourage and attract a better economy and offer more opportunities for their citizens. He also compares the rankings of Missouri and Illinois.
We’re not talking about the dysfunction in DC today. We’re talking about all the states moving in the right direction. Over the last three state legislative sessions, folks are seeing over half the states cut taxes that actually use the surplus money that’s been sloshing around in state capitols. Thanks to other natural surplus growth in the states that are doing things well, they’re investing back into taxpayers.
I think that is one of the greatest stories that the liberal media in DC likes to ignore, and that the states are moving the ball forward as Washington continues to be gridlocked. I am more optimistic now with the 17th edition of Rich States Poor States that just released at richstatespoorstates.org.
In the top states, we are seeing some real economic turnaround stories, as well as the perennial powerhouse stories of states that have continually got it right. Of course, this isn’t just an academic raking where the proof is in the pudding. Americans continue to vote with their feet, as we like to say, as one of our clear takeaways towards states that value economic freedom and away from states that have big government policies that drive away jobs and actually make us all worse off.