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Mexico’s Upcoming Presidential Election and Potential Implications for NAFTA
Mexico’s political history until the middle of the 1990s was dominated by elections that were won almost exclusively by a single party – the PRI (Institutional Revolutionary Party). In 1994,…
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Governor Walker’s State of the State: “Getting positive things done for the people of Wisconsin”
Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker delivered his 8th State of the State address in Madison, highlighting his “ambitious agenda” for the 2018 legislative session. Major areas of focus include education,…
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Legislator of the Week: Virginia Delegate Kathy Byron
This week, ALEC and FreedomWorks introduce Virginia Delegate Kathy Byron. Delegate Byron has been a member of the Virginia House of Delegates, representing the 22nd legislative district, since being…
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Trouble in Paradise: Hawaii Governor Ige Acknowledges Livability Concerns
The governor took note of several pressing concerns—energy, affordable housing, education, and income growth. However, many of his solutions threaten to aggravate the underlying problems.
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Louisiana State of the State: Governor’s Occupational Licensing Reform Proposal Could Generate Opportunity, but Support for Continued Cronyism and Excessive Spending Threaten Growth
Opening Louisiana’s 2018 regular session, Governor John Bel Edwards recently gave his third State of the State address. Jumping from the Medicaid expansion and tax policy to minimum wage and…
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North Dakota State of the State: A Hands-Off Approach Working for Economy
In his second State of the State Address, North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum declared, “The State of the State is one of unlimited promise and potential, provided that we…
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Oklahoma State of the State: Governor Fallin Delivers Stern Tax and Spend Message
Despite early promise of being a bold reformer, the governor now zealously possesses the tax and spend mantle. And the spending extends beyond education. She promises a cornucopia of spending courtesy of the tax hikes on “initiatives that each of you are passionate about.”
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Minnesota State of the State
Governor Mark Dayton delivered his final State of the State address in a largely optimistic tone declaring, “Our number one priority should be tax fairness for individual Minnesotans and their…
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New Mexico State of the State: Governor Applauds Economic Diversification and Pushes for Comprehensive Tax Reform
The governor’s proposals for comprehensive tax reform, economic diversification, infrastructure spending prioritization, and education reform can generate longer-term opportunities. However, additional changes are needed. The state’s tort system and worker’s compensation costs remain economic drags. The relative lack of tax and expenditure limits and 8th highest number of state employees per capita contribute to a bloated state government.
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Wyoming State of the State: Fiscal Soundness Despite Setbacks in Energy Sector of Economy
Wyoming enjoys the 8th best economic outlook in the nation, according to Rich States, Poor States. This outlook has failed to translate into performance largely due to numerous macroeconomic factors and regulatory measures. The governor’s commitment to state regulatory reform, bureaucratic downsizing, and budget reform has resulted in the state weathering this storm with a strong balance sheet and low taxes. Rather than resort to higher taxes or centrally planned economic development, the continuation of a business-friendly climate is needed to incentivize further diversification and future growth of the economy.
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Utah State of the State: Acting Today with the Future in Mind
Even with the modest changes to property taxes and a possible increase in the gas tax, Utah’s overall pro-business status remains unrivaled. Economic growth and jobs growth over 10 years are 5th highest and 3rd highest, respectively. Perhaps Utah has indeed “become that shining city on a hill for our nation.”
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Pennsylvania Gov. Wolf’s Calls for Progress with “a Push”
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf’s Budget Address contained a strong undercurrent of authoritarianism. Progress, as defined by the governor’s dictionary, can sometimes “require a push.” Agenda items within the speech reveal…
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Washington State of the State: Governor Inslee Repeats Demand for Destructive Carbon Tax
In addition to a massive carbon tax, Governor Inslee called for workforce development initiatives, healthcare regulations, and myriad new social regulations. In aggregate, this big government agenda would impede the business climate and economic growth of the state.
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New Hampshire State of the State Address
One of the youngest governors in the nation, Governor Chris Sununu, recently delivered his second State of the State address. He focused on New Hampshire’s unique strengths and commented,…
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Legislator of the Week: Kentucky State Representative Kim Moser
This week, ALEC and FreedomWorks introduce Kentucky State Representative Kim Moser. Representative Moser is a part of the Criminal Justice Reform Taskforce at ALEC and currently serves as the…
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Firing Blanks: Why the Current Focus on Guns in Schools Won’t Solve the School Safety Debate
After every school shooting tragedy, the same gun debates rage in America, pitting gun control advocates against Second Amendment supporters. But this frequently-heated debate unfortunately overshadows solutions that might bring…
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Texas: Governor’s Report to the People Highlights Both Triumphs and Misses on Tax Reform
In a recent Report to the People, Texas Governor Greg Abbott wrote the state of the state is strong. He highlighted “a year of triumphs and challenges – and…
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The Williams Report
Budget National: S&P finds tariffs could hurt state, city budgets Alabama: The Alabama Senate delivers a general fund budget to the governor’s office. Alaska: To avert shutdown…
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Video Game Violence and the Game Washington Plays
Almost like clockwork after a tragedy of gun violence, special interests begin pointing fingers. One of the regular targets of such finger pointing is the video game industry. Rather than…
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Georgia State of the State: Gov. Deal Touts “Orchards of Opportunity”
Georgia Governor Nathan Deal unveiled an ambitious and packed legislative agenda for the coming year in his final State of the State Address on January 11. The governor touted…