Reason TV: Economist Art Laffer On How to Fix California

"It's not Republican, it's not Democrat. Honestly, it's not liberal, it's not conservative … It's economics," says Economist Art Laffer. "If you tax people who work and you pay people who don't work, don't be surprised when you get a lot of people not working."

Laffer is the founder of supply side economics, the namesake of the "Laffer curve" and the author of the new book, Eureka! How to Fix California. He sat down with Reason.com's managing editor, Tim Cavanaugh at the offices of the Orange County Register, to talk about why Texas has a better tax structure than California, the power of public employee unions and what he really thinks of California governor Jerry Brown.

Approximately 7:03

Shot by Zach Weissmuller and Sharif Matar. Edited by Matar and Paul Detrick

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Comments

[R C Dean]

"If you tax people who work and you pay people who don't work, don't be surprised when you get a lot of people not working."

You mean, you get more of what you reward, and less of what you punish?

Who knew?

[Dr. Frankenstein]

Why there oughta be a law!!

[PapayaSF]

A quote to remember.

But I have to say: I almost never watch these clips. I can read much faster than a video, so what I would like is a transcript every time. Put an intern on it, please! Thank you.

[Adamson]

I second that. (I also have to add that I can hit this website on my lunch hour at work, but my employer blocks streaming video.)

[Ashlyn]

Thirded. Though it would have been a shame to miss out on Laffer's good-natured delivery.

[WarrenT]

I could see those cars driving past the building, do you suppose the drivers might have freaked out wrecked if they knew they were only a 100 feet or so away from the famous Tim Cavanaugh?

And whats with copying Nick's style? There can only be one The Jacket.

[Coach Outlet]

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[Alex the wolf]

Just one question. If you can fully deduct the state income tax from the federal income tax then what difference does it make to you? Why would you leave California? Can anyone answer this?