Virginia Beats Maryland …

Low-Tax, Pro-Growth Policies Deliver Greater Economic Opportunities

When it comes to encouraging prosperity, the Old Dominion is trouncing the Old Line State. The American Legislative Exchange Council this week released a “Rich States, Poor States” report that modeled the 50 states and ranked the economic outlook in each. Virginia secured a third-place slot while neighboring Maryland lagged midpack at 21. That’s no accident.

“Virginia is the best state in America in which to do business,” Virginia Gov. Robert F. McDonnell told The Washington Times. “We are keeping taxes low and litigation and regulation to a minimum. Our fiscal discipline gives us a great story to tell to CEOs and entrepreneurs looking for the best place to do business in a competitive global marketplace.” Since the Republican governor took office last year, he has been trimming thestate government and holding the line against the impulse to close budget gaps by raising taxes.

Maryland cannot make the same claim. With the sixth-highest personal-income-tax rate in the country, Maryland is a less attractive place to set up shop. “It’s an unavoidable fact that Maryland’s business community competes with other states,” former Maryland Gov. Marvin Mandel, a Democrat, told The Washington Times. “By any objective measure,Virginia is a formidable competitor and demonstrates how government policies can promote the private-sector growth necessary for job creation.”

READ MORE …