This series of events will take place at the following locations and times:

La Crosse, WI - Oct. 29, from 7:45-9:00 a.m.

Stillwater, MN - Oct. 29, from 12:30-2:00 p.m.

Duluth, MN - Oct. 30, from 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Can we look at the states as “laboratories of democracy,” as Louis Brandeis famously called them, in order to pursue better policy?

At this event, Center of the American Experiment Economist John Phelan will present on his research comparing the economic performances of neighboring counties on either side of the Minnesota border. John will share his findings on Minnesota and Wisconsin, and discuss the insight it gives us into the economic impacts of state policies.

Badger Institute President Mike Nichols will discuss a year-long, in-depth tax analysis conducted by his organization and the Tax Foundation. The report details how Wisconsin’s overall tax structure remains behind competitor states in simplicity, tax rates and business climate for residents and investment. He’ll also discuss other policies that impact interstate competitiveness, especially in border communities.

Then, Tax Foundation Senior Policy Analyst Katherine Loughead will discuss how Wisconsin and Minnesota rank in the Tax Foundation’s forthcoming 2021 State Business Tax Climate Index, and how these states can become more competitive both regionally and nationally. The discussion will include insight on how and why tax rates and structures impact a state’s competitiveness, especially along its borders.