States of Change

One side effect of a strengthening national economy has been a widening disparity in state growth rates. The eight fastest-growing states by population last year were located in the West or South (Nevada, Idaho, Utah, Arizona, Florida, Washington, Colorado and Texas).

And what do you know? These states have also experienced rapid employment and GDP growth spurred by low tax rates and policies generally friendly to business and job creation. Nevada, Arizona, Texas, Washington, Utah, Florida and Colorado ranked among the eight states with the fastest job growth this past year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Nevada, Texas, Washington and Florida have no income tax.

And California is only experiencing growth because of foreign immigration (legal and illegal).

Will high-tax business unfriendly states learn anything? Doubtful. These states are dominated by the interests of unions and the Welfare Industrial Complex. Like other addicts, they will not change behavior until they hit bottom.  

The Myth of Declining Manufacturing the In the US

Michael Hicks published a paper which rightfully debunks the popular notion that manufacturing in America is declining. It is not. It has been increasing constantly over the last 100 years. 

Electric Car Subsidies for The Rich

Democrats voted unanimously against the last tax cut bill because (they said) it disproportionately benefits high income households. Yet they unanimously endorse electric car tax credits which (pretty conclusively) disproportionately benefit high income households. According to the Energy Department, 70% of all these vehicles are bought by people earning over $100,000.

ENVIRONMENTALISM IS A LUXURY GOOD