From Out of State and Looking to Move?

There’s nothing like taking advantage of surrounding states (Michigan and Illinois) economic downturns. Looks like Democrat governors Jennifer Granholm and Rod Blagojevich (pronounced Bla-goy-vich) have brought their states into some serious financial hard times and Indiana is working to reap the rewards.

Mackinac Center Fiscal Policy Director Michael D. LaFaive today called on Michigan policymakers to make transformational, market-friendly policy changes their top New Year’s Resolution for 2008, warning that to do otherwise would all but guarantee continued loss of jobs and population.

“We were already at or near the bottom of many important economic rankings before the Legislature piled on $1.4 billion in new taxes,” said LaFaive. “Does anyone really believe this hike will make Michigan more attractive to people and business?”

Indiana does not think so. The state has posted billboards along interstates near the border encouraging passers-by to come to Indiana if they’re tired of high taxes, and high business and housing costs. Indiana is also running radio ads in Michigan and Illinois with the same message. They may have a compelling reason to do so. A new study by economists Arthur Laffer and Stephen Moore shows that record numbers of Americans moved last year and they tended to move south and west — to states with generally favorable tax and labor climates, among other things.

Read the rest of the article here.