Introduction
In this 13th edition of Rich States, Poor States, White House Advisors Dr. Arthur B. Laffer and Stephen Moore and ALEC Executive Vice President of Policy and Chief Economist Jonathan Williams review policy choices made by the 50 states and discuss whether those choices have improved economic competitiveness, or harmed it.
The empirical evidence and analysis in this edition of Rich States, Poor States illustrate which policies encourage greater economic opportunity and which are obstacles to growth. The evidence is clear that competitive tax rates, thoughtful regulations, and responsible spending lead to more opportunities for all Americans. State economies grow and flourish when lawmakers trust people, not government, to create long-term prosperity.