Part 9/10:
Despite warnings from business leaders and local advocacy groups, the response from progressive policymakers remains dismissive. Smith characterized the approach as repeat attempts of policy failure—“keep trying the same thing over and over and expecting different results.” The legislative trend, he asserts, continues to layer on taxes without addressing the fundamental economic challenges.
Furthermore, Smith emphasizes that the narrative pushed by some that wealthy residents and corporations are just being greedy is misguided. “They already pay a significant share of taxes. The problem is the high cost of living and punitive taxes that drive people away.”