Impacts of local and state tax and expenditure limits on economic growth

Abstract

We focus on the impact of statutory and constitutional Tax and Expenditure Limits (TELs) on growth levels and rates of convergence. Using a panel of US state data from 1987 to 2004, we report a family of neoclassical growth models. Using simple dummy variables to identify states with and without strict TELs, we find that local property tax levy limits do not significantly influence income growth and convergence rates. Results for state revenue and expenditure limits suggest that more recent limits may have negatively affected income growth and slowed convergence.