The Cato Institute has released its “Fiscal Report Card on America’s Governors” for 2020 and four of the nation’s top state executives have earned “A” grades for cutting tax and holding the line on spending.
The fiscally prudent honor roll includes governors Chris Sununu (R-NH), Kim Reynolds (R-IA), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), and Mark Gordon (R-WY).
Seven governors got failing grades for their fiscal policies: Ralph Northam(D-VA), Andrew Cuomo (D-NY), Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI), Phil Murphy (D-NJ), J. B. Pritzker (D-IL), Kate Brown (D-OR), and Jay Inslee (D-WA).
As the report’s authors, Chris Edwards and David Kemp, note:
When the economy is growing and state coffers are filling up, Democrats tend to increase spending, while Republicans tend to both increase spending and cut taxes. During economic downturns, Democratic governors often pursue tax increases to balance their budgets, while Republicans put greater focus on spending restraint.
Worth noting: Nevada’s Steve Sisolak (D) had the highest grade among Democratic governors, earning a “B.” Several Republicans earned “D” grades, but none got an “F.” You can read the entire report here to see how your governor scored.