Rich States, Poor States 14th Edition

by Jonathan Williams, Dr. Arthur B. Laffer & Stephen Moore

Introduction

The new edition finds that even through the pandemic, states with policies such as low or no income taxes and worker freedom are more economically competitive and better positioned for wage growth, job creation and domestic in-migration compared to states with higher taxes and government spending. The new rankings also reveal that, as proven by new 2020 Census data, Americans “vote with their feet” by moving from high-tax to low-tax states.

“Utah, at the top of the rankings for the 14th year in a row, solidified its well-deserved first place spot this year by prioritizing sound economic policy,” said ALEC chief economist and report co-author Jonathan Williams. “Utah has an incredibly strong track record of pro-taxpayer reforms in recent years, including the adoption of a flat personal income tax rate, pension reform for its previously endangered system, and the state’s  innovative approach to property tax reform. The success of Utah’s‘truth in taxation’ policy for local property taxes, has been noticed by other states. Truth in taxation has already passed nearly unanimously in Kansas this session, and is being considered in Nebraska. It is a great development to see states follow the lead of competitive state policy, which brings with it job creation and shared economic success for all.”

Check out RichStatesPoorStates.org to track your state’s progress over 14 years. Even adjust your state’s policies to see how you can improve.

More in "Rich States, Poor States"

  • Rich States, Poor States 17th Edition

    The 17th edition of Rich States, Poor States: ALEC-Laffer State Economic Competitiveness Index features an evaluation of each independent state and key areas of policy in that state to better…

  • Rich States, Poor States 16th Edition

    The 16th edition of ALEC’s Rich States Poor States features an evaluation of each independent state and key areas of policy in that state to better understand its economic trajectory.

  • Rich States, Poor States 15th Edition

    The 15th edition of ALEC’s Rich States Poor States features an evaluation of each independent state and key areas of policy in that state to better understand its economic trajectory.

+ All Publications in Rich States, Poor States