Mississippi ranks 10th nationally in Overall Economic Outlook for 2013, according to the Rich States, Poor States: ALEC-Laffer State Economic State Competitiveness Index just released by the American Legislative Exchange Council’s Center for State Fiscal Reform. Mississippi is third among Blueprint States, finishing just behind Georgia and Florida, and ahead of Texas and Alabama. The Blueprint States are the 12 states Mississippi is most likely to complete against for economic development.
The annual report has Mississippi at No. 10 nationally, up five spots from a year ago. Rich States, Poor States examines the latest trends in state economic growth. The data ranks the 2013 economic outlook of states using 15 equally weighted policy variables, including various tax rates, regulatory burdens and labor policies. The sixth edition focuses on the growing momentum in state capitals for fundamental pro-growth tax and pension reform. Rich States, Poor States also features a case study on California’s fiscal health and outlines how California lawmakers can restore economic prosperity.
Utah holds the top spot for states with the best economic outlook in 2013, followed by North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming and Virginia, according to a new report released by the American Legislative Exchange Council.
Nationally, states with low tax rates, limited government regulations and right-to-work laws were most likely to have a better economic outlook than states with high income taxes and burdensome regulations. The report shows that over a ten-year period, the nine states without personal income taxes have outperformed the nine states with the highest income tax rates in population, job and revenue growth.
Used by state lawmakers across America since 2008, Rich States, Poor States: ALEC-Laffer State Economic Competitiveness Index, is authored by economist Dr. Arthur B. Laffer, Wall Street Journal senior economics writer Stephen Moore and Jonathan Williams, director of ALEC’s Center for State Fiscal Reform.
“Rich States, Poor States provides insight and research into what state policies are shown to be effective in creating job growth and economic stability,” said co-author and economist Dr. Arthur B. Laffer. “The report is intended to be a resource for state lawmakers, citizen groups and all those who are interested in learning how to improve the economic health of their state.
