296. Testifying in Kansas, Union Deals, and Fighting for Families | Weekly Prosperity Pulse #4

Exploring the Impact of Government Overreach on Families, Tariffs, and State Economies

Welcome to this week's Weekly Prosperity Pulse!

This Friday, I’m reflecting on a busy week that included a trip to Topeka, KS, where I testified before the Kansas Legislature’s Special Committee on Budget Process and Development on behalf of the Kansas Policy Institute. My testimony focused on the need for responsible budgeting and limiting government intervention to drive economic prosperity. You can read my written testimony, watch my overview below, and check out an article summarizing the discussion.

In this issue, I also cover the ripple effects of the recently completed port union-worker deal, how government overreach continues to hurt families, and why tariffs threaten the U.S. economy. Plus, don’t miss my take on Louisiana’s comeback and what fiscal reforms could do for its future growth!

Key Points:

• Union-Wage Deal Concerns: While the 62% wage increase for port union workers sounds promising for workers, the real costs—rising prices for consumers and stifled innovation—could outweigh the benefits. Wages should be set by competitive markets, not union bosses or politicians.

• Supporting Families Through Less Government: Government overreach, through spending and regulations, continues to be a barrier for families. Requiring work for welfare, reducing dependency, and reforming criminal justice are just a few solutions I’ll explore to help families prosper.

• Tariffs and Economic Risks: With the threat of tariffs increasing under proposed policies, we risk returning to damaging protectionist measures not seen since the Great Depression. Tariffs drive up costs for consumers and stifle economic growth—something we can’t afford.

• Louisiana’s Fiscal Reforms: The Pelican Institute’s bold plan for cutting taxes and controlling spending could unleash economic growth and create thousands of jobs. This is a blueprint for real reform that other states should follow.

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Highlights from This Week

• I am glad to see a port union-worker deal completed yesterday. However, the costs of the agreed upon 62% increase in worker base pay over the next 6 years from $38 to $63 per hour will stifle innovation and opportunity and cost many people higher prices across the country. Politicians, union bosses, and elites shouldn’t be determining wages but rather individuals and employers is a competitive market.

• The family is a key institution! How can politicians help families? Progressives and some national conservatives (also progressives) suggest government spending, tax breaks, and controls on people in the marketplace. A key problem for families is government, so more government will exacerbate that problem. The government should spend less at every level, which will result in lower taxes and regulations. Reducing dependency by requiring work for any welfare, providing criminal justice reform so fewer dads are locked up for minor offenses, and removing regulations and taxes that raise costs will go a long way to let families prosper. I’ll have more on this soon.

• Contribution to the overfunding of the monopoly government school system.

• Overview of economic growth in states.

• Bipartisan spending crisis!

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What I’m Learning

• Tariffs are bad, and the cost of them may soon get worse per Erica York of the Tax Foundation: “The average tariff rate on all imports could spike seven times higher under Trump’s proposed tariff hikes, reaching a level not seen since 1934 amidst the Great Depression and the Hawley-Smoot tariffs.”

• Louisiana's comeback starts NOW! With bold fiscal reforms to cut taxes and rein in government spending, Pelican Institute’s plan aims to create thousands of jobs and unleash billions of dollars in economic growth. Read the full report.

• I recently read Blind Spots by Marty Makary. Check out my review of it at Goodreads.

• I recommend reading Scott Hodge’s Taxocracy as well.

Let People Prosper Show podcast

The Let People Prosper Show features deep discussions on topics ranging from defense policy to empowering women in the workforce:

• Episode 116 (Yesterday):
  I interviewed Ben Ayanian about how good intentions don’t make good policy. He graduated from the University of Minnesota, studying philosophy, business law, and political science. He is also the author of the book Beyond Intention: How Progressive Economic Policy Initiatives Would Harm Society's Most Vulnerable.

• Episode 117 (Next Thursday):
  Don’t miss next week’s episode with Dr. Tom Oliverson, state representative of Texas, for a thought-provoking discussion about key policy issues in Texas, such as property taxes, the budget, and insurance policy, and what this means for the upcoming 2025 Legislative Session.

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Quote of the Week

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Bible Verse of the Week

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Thanks for joining me on this journey to promote economic freedom and prosperity. I hope this Weekly Prosperity Pulse keeps you informed, inspired, and ready for the week ahead. If you aren’t already a paid subscriber, now’s a great time to join for exclusive content and deeper dives below the paywall. And be sure to share this newsletter with your family and friends.

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