According to the recently released Rich States, Poor States: ALEC-Laffer State Economic Competitiveness Index report, Utah has been ranked number one for economic outlook and performance. The Rich States, Poor States is an annual report that assesses the economic outlook and performance of all 50 states based on a state’s current standing in 15 state policy variables. These variables include the State Gross Domestic Product, Absolute Domestic Migration, and Non-Farm Payroll Employment.

According to the report, states that spend less (especially on income transfer programs) and states that tax less (particularly on productive activities such as working or investing) experience higher growth rates than states that tax and spend more.

In an article in ABC Utah written by Ava Hart, Utah Senate President J. Stuart Adams said “I’m proud that Utah has once again been named the No. 1 state in the nation for economic outlook for the 19th year in a row, this recognition reflects years of forward-thinking decisions focused on economic growth and building an environment where the next generation can succeed.”