by Dan Mitchell | Apr 26, 2016 | Blogs, States, Taxation
Just like with nations, there are many factors that determine whether a state is hindering or enabling economic growth. But I’m very drawn to one variable, which is whether there’s a state income tax. If the answer is no, then it’s quite likely that it will enjoy...
by Dan Mitchell | Dec 15, 2015 | Blogs, Taxation
If you owned a restaurant and wanted to generate more income and boost your bottom line, would you double your prices thinking that this would double your revenue? Of course not. You would understand that a lot of your patrons would simply dine elsewhere. And if they...
by Dan Mitchell | Sep 7, 2015 | Blogs, Economics, States, Tax Competition, Taxation
Here’s a quiz for readers. When politicians increase taxes, the result is: a) More spending? b) More red ink? c) Fewer jobs? d) Out-migration of productive taxpayers? e) Reduced competitiveness? f) Less investment? g) A bigger underground economy? h) More corruption?...
by Dan Mitchell | Jan 30, 2015 | Big Government, Blogs, Economics, Government Waste
I’ve periodically cited the great 19th-century French economist, Frederic Bastiat, for his very wise words about the importance of looking at both the seen and the unseen when analyzing public policy. Those that fail to consider secondary or indirect effects of...
by Dan Mitchell | Feb 16, 2014 | Blogs, Taxation
I’ll be first in line if there’s a contest over who thinks most strongly thatpoliticians are corrupt, or whether they can waste money in creative ways. But if somebody asserts that politicians are stupid, I’m going to argue on the other side. This isn’t because I’m a...
