503 Jonathan Williams – Rich State, Poor States and How New Mexico Ranks

On this week’s interview Paul interviews Jonathan Williams Chief Economist and Vice President for the Center for State Fiscal Reform at the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC). ALEC is America’s largest nonpartisan, voluntary membership organization of state legislators dedicated to the principles of limited government, free markets and federalism.

Paul and Jonathan discuss the new Rich States, Poor States index that he puts together for ALEC and what it means for New Mexico and its neighbors. They also discuss Art Laffer and Steve Moore, both of whom are involved in the project and have generated headlines recently. The Index examines historical policies and their impact on state economies as well as expected future economic performance. How does New Mexico rank on each?

Finally, they address the issue of pensions and government liabilities and a second report Jonathan is involved in called “Unaccountable and Unaffordable.”

Podcast: Play in new window | Download