Let People Prosper

Summer is typically a slow season for policy in D.C. and the states. Legislative sessions wrap up, and Congress heads into recess. But if you thought that meant a quiet summer, think again.With the bombings in the Middle East, the “One Big Beautiful Bill” moving slowly through Congress, and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott calling a special session, this summer is shaping up to be anything but calm.On This Week’s Economy, I expose what lawmakers should be focused on. Spoiler: it’s mostly about spending restraint and getting the government out of the way!You can catch the full episode on YouTube, Apple Podcast, or Spotify.Visit: VanceGinn.comSubscribe: VanceGinn.Substack.com

Why does New Mexico, rich in resources and culture, remain poor in economic freedom?That’s the question I explore in this week’s Let People Prosper Show with Paul Gessing, president of the Rio Grande Foundation. Paul brings nearly two decades of insight into New Mexico’s political and economic trends, offering a sobering look at why the state is falling behind and what must change to turn it around.New Mexico has a shrinking population, high poverty, and a growing dependency on government, despite a $61 billion sovereign wealth fund and booming oil revenues. The problem isn’t money; it’s policy.For more insights, visit vanceginn.com. You can also get even greater value by subscribing to my Substack newsletter at vanceginn.substack.com. 

What’s driving state-level prosperity—or stagnation?While Washington obsesses over headlines and dysfunction, the real policy battles shaping Americans’ lives are happening in state capitals. From tax cuts and spending reforms to school choice and regulatory rollbacks, we’re seeing a tale of two paths: one that embraces economic freedom and another that doubles down on top-down control.In this episode of This Week’s Economy, I talk with Patrick Gleason, Vice President of State Affairs at Americans for Tax Reform and regular contributor to Forbes, about the most important trends in state policy. We get into who’s doing it right, who’s doing it wrong, and how to push back against the growing threats of government overreach.You can catch the full episode on YouTube, Apple Podcast, or Spotify.Visit: VanceGinn.comSubscribe: VanceGinn.Substack.com

Is capitalism really crushing the middle class—or are bad policies and worse narratives to blame?In this episode of the Let People Prosper Show, I’m joined by Dr. Norbert Michel, vice president and director of the Cato Institute’s Center for Monetary and Fiscal Alternatives. We dig into his new book, Crushing Capitalism: How Populist Policies Are Threatening The American Dream.Norbert pulls back the curtain on the false story of a stagnating middle class, exposes the economic harms of tariffs and industrial policy, and makes the principled case for decentralization and free-market capitalism. This is a must-listen if you’re tired of political narratives distorting economic reality—and want honest solutions that let people prosper.For more insights, visit vanceginn.com. You can also get even greater value by subscribing to my Substack newsletter at vanceginn.substack.com. 

There’s been a lot of conflict making headlines lately—from the clash between Elon Musk and President Trump over the “Big, Beautiful Bill” (BBB) to riots in Los Angeles sparked by immigration raids. These events all point to the true national emergency: overspending in Washington. Congress has a critical opportunity to take action. As a strong advocate for sustainable budgeting, we must cut current spending, not just slow the growth as in “DC speak,” but actually reduce spending to at least 2019 levels before COVID nonsense, and cap annual spending growth to a maximum rate based on population growth plus inflation. Instead, lawmakers discuss raising the federal debt ceiling by up to $5 trillion with the BBB.In this week’s episode, I explain why now is the time to restore fiscal discipline. Americans are already feeling the strain of rising costs due to inflation. Our leaders have the power to address this crisis by tackling Washington’s out-of-control spending. You can catch the full episode on YouTube, Apple Podcast, or Spotify.Visit: VanceGinn.comSubscribe: VanceGinn.Substack.com

Can 12-year-olds really grasp supply and demand, entrepreneurship, and the role of government in the economy? In this episode of the Let People Prosper Show, I talk with Jon Foster, a passionate advocate for teaching economics early and often. As a former leader in Junior Achievement and president of the Middle School MBA, Jon is on a mission to improve economic literacy where it matters most—before bad ideas take root. We discuss the gaps in today’s education system, how teachers can better engage students, and why real-world application is key to shaping informed citizens. For more insights, visit vanceginn.com. You can also get even greater value by subscribing to my Substack newsletter at vanceginn.substack.com. 

In This Week’s Economy episode, Dr. Vance Ginn emphasizes returning to fundamental economic principles. He discusses the rationality of human behavior, the functionality of markets, and the detrimental effects of government intervention. By exploring concepts such as opportunity cost, market signals, and subjective value, he advocates for a free market approach that respects individual choices and promotes prosperity. The conversation highlights the need for clear market signals and the dangers of government distortions in the economy. To push back effectively, we must return to the basics: Econ 101. Markets work. And we are better off when we allow them to do so. You can catch the full episode on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.Visit: VanceGinn.comSubscribe: VanceGinn.Substack.com

Why is housing so expensive in many cities—and is the government making it worse?In this episode of the Let People Prosper Show, I interview Dr. Emily Hamilton, senior research fellow and director of the Urbanity Project at the Mercatus Center. We explore the big questions in housing policy: What drives rising costs? How do land-use regulations distort supply? And what reforms would make it easier for families to afford homes?Dr. Hamilton is a leading voice on urban economics and has worked extensively to evaluate how government decisions, particularly at the local level, restrict housing development and make affordability harder to reach for many Americans. We break down the challenges of the modern housing market through a free-market lens, offering real solutions that expand opportunity, protect property rights, and let people prosper.For more insights, visit vanceginn.com. You can also get even greater value by subscribing to my Substack newsletter at vanceginn.substack.com. 

Today marks the conclusion of the 89th Regular Session of the Texas Legislature, and what a session it's been. Once renowned for its commitment to pro-freedom and pro-growth policies, Texas now grapples with decisions that challenge its conservative principles. This session has strayed from the fiscal conservatism Texans expect, from expanding corporate handouts to unprecedented spending. The people of Texas deserve better. It's time to return to the pro-growth policies that have enabled the state to thrive and lead the nation. On the federal front, the passage of the “One Big, Beautiful Bill” in the House reveals a similar mix of commendable and concerning developments. How can we reconcile the benefits of tax cuts with the drawbacks of increased government spending?In this episode, I delve into these significant legislative moves and assess their impact on the nation's economic health. Let's examine both the positive and negative aspects to gain a clear understanding of where things stand.  You can catch the full episode on YouTube, Apple Podcast, or Spotify.Visit: VanceGinn.comSubscribe: VanceGinn.Substack.com

What does it mean to be a conservative in the 21st century—and how do we bridge liberty with virtue?In this milestone 150th episode of the Let People Prosper Show, I interview John Hood, president of the John William Pope Foundation and a leading voice behind the Freedom Conservatism movement (sign the statement of principles at the link).We talk about his career as a journalist and policy expert, how fiction writing helped him rediscover deeper meaning, and why a renewed framework for conservatism is essential for America's future. From education and immigration to family and fiscal responsibility, this conversation unpacks the foundations for prosperity in a free society.For more insights, visit vanceginn.com. You can also get even greater value by subscribing to my Substack newsletter at vanceginn.substack.com.