Let People Prosper

What can federal and state governments do to ease the economic strain on your wallet?It’s a big week for tariffs as President Trump has announced a series of tariffs set to take effect on April 2. With federal income taxes already on our minds this month, these tariffs are another tax on American consumers and families.Speaking of taxes, we’re still awaiting the renewal of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act before it expires at the end of the year. Will a Republican-led Congress manage to make these cuts permanent? Meanwhile, many states are considering eliminating income and property taxes. This could provide much-needed relief for Americans grappling with rising prices due to inflation—but it must be balanced with lower government spending.I discuss these issues and more on this week’s episode of This Week’s Economy. From Texas's record-high budget to AI regulation at the state level, tune in to stay informed about the week’s most pressing topics.For more insights, visit vanceginn.com and get even greater value with a subscription to my Substack newsletter at vanceginn.substack.com. 

How can we restore our republic and bring power back to the states? What role should federalism, trade, and housing policy play in fostering long-term prosperity?In this episode of the Let People Prosper Show, Dr. Adam Millsap, Senior Fellow at Stand Together Trust, joins me to unpack the key issues shaping America’s economic and political landscape. From the Great Recession’s impact on tax policy to tariffs, protectionism, and housing affordability, Adam shares his insights on strengthening state authority, reducing dependence on federal funds, and creating a pro-growth economy.For more insights, visit vanceginn.com and get even greater value with a subscription to my Substack newsletter at vanceginn.substack.com. 

The U.S. budget deficit surged this year, surpassing $1 trillion, and we’re not even halfway through the fiscal year! While government spending slightly decreased, it still far outpaced revenue, leading to a deficit of over $307 billion for February. We just saw another federal budget battle in Congress. Despite government shutdown threats, a continuing resolution was passed to fund the government until September. It seems our lawmakers just can’t stick to a spending diet!But why does federal overspending matter?In this special edition of This Week’s Economy, I offer a Federal Spending 101 lesson outlining key principles to tackle Congress’s bad financial habits. We need urgent spending reform to turn the economy around—and it’s time lawmakers start listening!For more insights, visit vanceginn.com and get even greater value with a subscription to my Substack newsletter at vanceginn.substack.com. 

What if your entire childhood was shaped by chaos, instability, and a family dynamic that revolved around control? Carrie Sheffield lived that reality—growing up in a motorhome, grappling with trauma, and searching for truth. In this episode of the Let People Prosper Show, she shares her incredible journey from pain to purpose, as told in her bestselling book, Motorhome Prophecies: A Journey of Healing and Forgiveness.Carrie’s story is one of resilience, redemption, and faith. She discusses breaking free from generational trauma, questioning long-held beliefs, and choosing personal freedom over fear. If you’ve ever faced adversity or wondered how faith and perseverance can transform a life, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. Check out her work at Independent Women’s Forum.For more insights, visit vanceginn.com and get even greater value with a subscription to my Substack newsletter at vanceginn.substack.com. 

It’s about time Washington took our nation’s spending crisis seriously! The House narrowly passed a continuing resolution to avoid a partial federal government shutdown (so close! ha!). Meanwhile, Elon Musk and Senator Lindsey Graham highlight concerns about Social Security spending and insolvency. These are positive steps, but politicians in D.C. and across the country must take meaningful action to spend less, make TCJA permanent, deregulate, and ultimately get the government out of the way.This week, I dive into the federal funding debate, Social Security, the costs of tariffs, school choice chances in Texas, Trump’s energy policy, the new Labor Secretary appointment, and institutional investors’ impact on housing.For more insights, visit vanceginn.com and get even greater value with a subscription to my Substack newsletter at vanceginn.substack.com. 

How can federal and state tax reform influence your budget and business? In this episode of the Let People Prosper Show, I interview Ryan Ellis, a tax policy expert and founder of the Center for a Free Economy. Ryan shares his insights on the complexities of tax reform, the impact of tariffs on economic growth, and why the real problem isn’t under-taxation but overspending. From the challenges of freelance taxes to corporate tax rates and the importance of deregulation, this conversation dives deep into what policymakers need to get right about fiscal policy. Whether you’re a business owner, policymaker, or just someone wanting a clearer picture of tax policy, this episode is for you!For more insights, visit vanceginn.com and get even greater value with a subscription to my Substack newsletter at vanceginn.substack.com.

Did you catch President Trump’s address to Congress last week? I’ve shared some key highlights on X. My main takeaway is that he’s addressing American voters’ concerns about the economy head-on. And it’s about time! Check out my episode and the show notes below as we dive into today’s top economic headlines. From the impacts of tariffs to the urgent need for new leadership at the Federal Reserve, let’s break down what’s happening in Washington and beyond. For more insights, visit vanceginn.com and get even greater value with a subscription to my Substack newsletter at vanceginn.substack.com. 

Tax reform isn’t just about lowering rates—it’s about creating the right incentives for economic growth and ensuring sustainable government spending. In this episode of the Let People Prosper Show, Grover Norquist, president of Americans for Tax Reform, joins me to discuss tax reform at both the federal and state levels, the importance of sustainable budgeting, and why tariffs harm American businesses and consumers. Grover shares his insights on the future of tax cuts, how states like Texas can remain leaders in tax competitiveness, and the importance of reducing government waste. We also explore how smart fiscal policies at the state level can influence federal tax reform, making this a must-listen for anyone who wants a pro-growth tax policy that allows people to prosper.For more insights, visit vanceginn.com and get even greater value with a subscription to my Substack newsletter at vanceginn.substack.com. 

The U.S. House has passed its reconciliation plan, and this time, the “one, big, beautiful bill” (which the sausage-making will take time) looks to cut taxes and slow federal spending, but let’s wait to see the final result. It’s great to see the new Trump administration and many in Congress are finally discussing the largest national threat: the federal spending crisis. It’s also encouraging to see Texas, Louisiana, Kansas, South Carolina, and other states follow suit with different forms of Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). In this episode—and the show notes below—we’ll explore the spending plan details, Texas’s school choice bills, the upcoming U.S. jobs report, tariffs on Canada and Mexico, and more. For more insights, visit vanceginn.com and get even greater value with a subscription to my Substack newsletter at vanceginn.substack.com. 

Education should empower parents and students, not protect bureaucratic systems. In this episode of the Let People Prosper Show,Jenny Clark, founder of Love Your School, joins me to discuss education savings accounts (ESAs), universal school choice, and the fight for parental rights.Jenny shares her journey as a mother and educator, how Arizona became a leader in education reform, and why families deserve flexible learning options that align with their children's needs and values. We also discuss misconceptions about ESAs, the challenges of government overreach, and the grassroots movement pushing for true education freedom.For more insights, visitvanceginn.com and get even greater value with a subscription to my Substack newsletter atvanceginn.substack.com.