On the Road to Freedom: SC, PA, & More | Prosperity Pulse #17
Advocating for solutions that bring greater economic certainty in "uncertain" times.
Hello Friends!
I’ve just returned from a full and energizing week on the road, with stops in South Carolina and Pennsylvania.
In South Carolina, I had the pleasure of meeting with the South Carolina Policy Council and several state legislators at the state capitol on much-needed fiscal reforms. You can dive into my recommendations to improve their income tax reform approach with a flat, low rate and surplus buydown to reduce it to zero by 2032 here: Path to Prosperity: A Fiscal Roadmap for South Carolina.
From there, I traveled to State College, PA, where I delivered a keynote address to the Pennsylvania Aggregates and Concrete Association. I spoke about the rising tide of economic and political uncertainty—and how real change begins with you. It starts in your home, your business, and your principles. That clarity and confidence are more important now than ever. You can read my full speech and explore my pro-growth strategies for the construction industry in my new guide.
Wishing you a restful weekend and a prosperous week ahead!
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Highlights from This Month
1. Tax Reform that Helps People Prosper
Congratulations, you’ve finally earned enough this year to pay your tax bill! On Tax Day, I shared what our governments can do to reduce the burden on American taxpayers and help them prosper.
One of my top recommendations is making the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act permanent. At the Kansas Policy Institute, I break down what it would cost Kansas taxpayers if we allow the bill to expire at the end of the year.
A key solution is reining in government spending so that states can offer more meaningful tax relief. Kansas has seen some relief but much more needed for sustainable budgeting, and I explore that progress in my piece at the Kansas Policy Institute, as well as in my quote featured in Liberal First.
In South Carolina, which ranks 33rd nationally in tax competitiveness, I outline reforms for improving both the tax code and state spending in my new report, Path to Prosperity: A Fiscal Roadmap for South Carolina. at the South Carolina Policy Council. Watch me explain in this short video:
Meanwhile, Mississippi is preparing to join the elite group of eight states with no personal income tax—a historic step. I explain what this means for the Magnolia State at The Center Square.
2. Regulatory Threats and Opportunities
In Texas, the state is facing a dentist shortage. Grover Norquist of Americans for tax Reform and I argue at the Austin American-Statesman that the solution is simple: get out of the way.
In a scandal that should shake public trust in regulatory oversight to its core, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC)—the federal government’s top bank regulator—admitted to a massive data breach that lasted nearly two years. I write about this scandal and its implications at RealClear Markets.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s Section 1033 is central planning masquerading as consumer protection. I discuss this and more regulatory risks on X.
Credit is often a lifeline—not a luxury. Unfortunately, lawmakers in states like Texas, Louisiana, Alaska, and Florida are pushing policies under the guise of “consumer protection” that would devastate access to credit. I’ve been speaking out about these harmful proposals on X..
Texas SB 6 would be a major roadblock for President Trump’s vision of AI innovation. I’ve spoken about this misguided policy effort in Fox News and The Guardian.
Families—not the government—should decide how to parent. On X, I explain how Texas’ Senate Bill 2420 and House Bill 4901 threaten parental rights by inserting state power into personal technology decisions.
3. Welfare Reforms That Empower Americans
What are the most effective ways to improve the prospects of families trying to escape poverty that would also save taxpayer dollars? Nic Dunn and I tackle this question on the Sutherland Institute’s Defending Ideas. Stay tuned to hear us discuss more on next week’s episode of Let People Prosper.
4. Texas School Choice Passes
Texas just made a bold move on school choice—but it’s only the beginning. The new bill allocates $1 billion, enough to serve at most 100,000 of the state’s 6.3 million school-aged children. I outline next steps for expanding access on X.
I also spoke with The Daily Signal about how excluding certain families from Education Savings Accounts misses the mark.
5. Tracking Trade Policy
In TabbFORUM, I argue that Nippon Steel’s proposed acquisition of U.S. Steel represents a $21 billion investment in American workers and industry—especially in Pennsylvania and Indiana. Read the full piece on my website.
And yes, tariffs are taxes—ones that stifle economic growth. I had a friendly debate on this topic with John Hendrickson over at Iowans for Tax Reform—you can read my perspective here.
What I’m Learning
The Wall Street Journal: The Editorial Board delivers a strong case for why competition—not regulators—is the best way to address market problems.
The Hayride: A new study reveals that base electricity rates at Louisiana’s largest monopoly utility have increased over 40% since 2018—and are projected to rise another 40% by 2030.
Cato Institute: A recent survey shows that 76% of Americans believe the federal government spends too much money—a striking consensus across political lines.
National Review: Veronique de Rugy offers a sharp critique of President Trump’s openness to raising taxes on Americans.
National Association of Manufacturers (NAM): Industry leaders share real stories about how tariffs are already affecting businesses and workers across the country.
Washington Times: Liam Sigaud highlights how the federal share of Medicaid spending has climbed from 60% to nearly 75%—raising serious fiscal sustainability questions.
R Street Institute: Shoshana Weissmann outlines practical solutions to address the electrician shortage, an increasingly urgent challenge with the rise of AI data centers.
National Review: Dominic Pino explains why Peter Navarro—the architect of Trump’s “reciprocal” tariff policy—should not be guiding conservative economic policy.
Department of Justice: Another massive Obamacare-related fraud case has been confirmed. (h/t Brian Blase)
Books I’m Reading:
A shift from my usual reading, Outlive: The Science & Art of Longevity by Peter Attia, M.D. and Bill Gifford, is a fascinating read on the science of better health and living a prosperous life.
Back to policy! Modern Libertarianism: A Brief History of Classical Liberalism in the United States by Brian Doherty is a great read on the roots of the American libertarian movement. You’ll probably recognize several familiar faces on the cover.
Let People Prosper Show Podcast
The Let People Prosper Show features deep discussions on hot topics:
Episode 145 (Thursday):
How much government is too much? I sit down with Richard Stern, Director of the Grover M. Hermann Center for the Federal Budget at the Heritage Foundation, to discuss the moral and economic urgency of cutting government spending, restoring community, and reclaiming freedom.
Episode 146 (Next Thursday):
Why do so many families turn down work opportunities—and how can we fix that? Don’t miss my thought-provoking conversation with Nic Dunn, vice president of strategy at the Sutherland Institute, to explore how benefits cliffs, broken welfare incentives, and poorly designed safety nets can trap people in poverty instead of lifting them out of it.Did you miss This Week’s Economy episode 108?
Quote of the Week
Bible Verse of the Week
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