First, I feel that Mr. Laffer provides a coherent example of how to change Ohio's tax policies. I do not discount his prior economic findings, nor do I challenge his current theories. But what I do have issue with is that a no name Ohio Secretary of State, Ken Blackwell, has taken his economic prowess and used it to start his campaign for Ohio's open gubernatorial seat.
It has been no secret that Ken Blackwell aspires to be governor: he almost ran against current Governor Bob Taft in the last election's primary. So this is a interesting tactic to start his campaign. Get a well respected economist to co-author an op-ed about your states failing economy, and cite ways to improve it, not a bad idea. I do not think that Mr. Laffer understood the consequences of co-authoring an article with a failed political candidate.
My problems with the actual article are more political than economic. While the ever-growing tax rates in Ohio are a constant problem, they are in their current state due to the shameless politics of our current two term governor. The extreme spending that he has wasted over the last eight years has only lead to newer roads, a stronger aeronautics program, and stricter law enforcement. The core problems of our state still exist; including soaring healthcare and education costs.
The article states that Ohio’s share of the nations personal income has decreased in the last 35 years. This is a true statement, but he uses it incorrectly. The article refers to the ever-growing tax problem, while at the same time it does not cite the job loss or the fact that for years Ohio’s economy has been rooted in industries that are on the decline; including the steel and auto industries. The fact that our share of the nations personal wealth is decreasing is due to the fact that our economic base is shifting from an industrial base to a service base, and during this transition there has been a lapse in income.
I agree with the concern over not keeping Ohio’s traditional corporate tax as the subsequent tax only creates more headaches for businesses. Governor Taft has been a strong proponent of raising “sin” taxes. He has tried everything from raising cigarette taxes over 60% in the last 6 years to putting taxes on SUV drivers. He has also tripled state school tuition for institutions of higher learning. There just seems like better ways to balance a state budget.
While the proposed constitutional amendment does seem to hold the state accountable for its fiscal responsibilities, I question whether it takes into account the extreme need for reinvigorating a declining workforce workforce. To solve a problem of joblessness and economic decline, tax cuts do not seem like a feasible solution.
Boy are you wrong there; time and again it's been shown that jobs follow low taxes, and as Ohio clearly demonstrates, the reverse is true as well.
And as far as Blackwell being a "failed political candidate," well, the difference between a failed candidate and winner can be as little as one election.
If you don't like Blackwell for some reason, say so, but try to come up with rational reasons rather than ad hominem attacks.
Boy are you wrong there; time and again it's been shown that jobs follow low taxes, and as Ohio clearly demonstrates, the reverse is true as well.
And as far as Blackwell being a "failed political candidate," well, the difference between a failed candidate and winner can be as little as one election.
If you don't like Blackwell for some reason, say so, but try to come up with rational reasons rather than ad hominem attacks.
Boy are you wrong there; time and again it's been shown that jobs follow low taxes, and as Ohio clearly demonstrates, the reverse is true as well.
And as far as Blackwell being a "failed political candidate," well, the difference between a failed candidate and winner can be as little as one election.
If you don't like Blackwell for some reason, say so, but try to come up with rational reasons rather than ad hominem attacks.
I cannot imagine anyone calling Ken Blackwell a failed candidate. For one, what has he failed at? For another, this fine African-American is the only conservative running in this state, and his record, his resume, and his experience are a dream. Other politicians (any citizen) would love to have Blackwell's resume. As secretary of state, Blackwell's brilliant management and preparation are responsible for the voting system that was not able to be challenged by whining John Kerry supporters after the last Bush election.
So far as Taft is concerned, it is astonishing that anyone would support him or the state of this state. One can complain all they want about the Ohio economy being based on autos, but that simply isn't realistic. Whatever new industries growth and employment growth that has happened in other parts of America has by-passed Ohio because of our criminal tax burden. That has absolutely nothing to do with a fading auto industry. (It's like saying, "Because my grandpa's ill, the entire community couldn't plant their crops. Huh?....)
The Tafts pretty much think and act like they own Ohio...their own personal, political enclave. Taft, no different than any pure liberal, promised no taxes and IMMEDIATELY after the election supported a sales tax increase . It was an in-your-face, I-can-do-what-I-want from our aristocrats. (King Bob the IV)
In any case, Bob & friends decided at some point to "invest" about 20 million of state retirement money in 'coins.' (Can you believe even that???!!!)
The coins "disappeared." (I'm SERIOUS...no one knows what "happened" to them.) Bob is whining and crying that he shouldn't be "questioned" by legal authorities on this issue. He actually wants immunity.
The Taft Dynasty is out of its flippin' mind.
KEN BLACKWELL FOR GOVERNOR!
Failed? What race has Blackwell ever failed in? Not in either of his Secretary of State races. Not in his race for the mayorship of Cincinnati.
What's your issue with Blackwell? From what I can see, he's about the only hope Ohio has left of getting a remotely conservative candidate into statewide office. Is there some other candidate you prefer? Or are you not so eager to say, because this is just a warmup for the hits you as Mike DeRINO's stooge are going to lay on Blackwell later?
Here's a prior thread on the Blackwell-Laffer op-ed:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1447738/posts
You're barking up the wrong tree.
It's Blackwell or nobody for those of us stuck in this hell-hole.
If you live in Cinci, you've been spared the absolute WORST of the damage wrought by the RNC machine.