NationStates Jolt Archive

I need help raising up my economy, it was stagnant for a while and now it's dropped a level. Any suggesstions? Also, how long does it take for inertia to set in (where your nation doesn't really change that much ebcause of issue choices)? Also, I got the "Prisoners demand elbow room" issue just now, is the option I chose the best one for the economy? Thanks

The Issue
In a display of unity that can best be described as "highly unnverving," criminals and law enforcement officials alike are up in arms about recent overcrowding within prisons in @@NAME@@.

3. "Now hold on just a second here," says @@RANDOMNAME@@, CEO of @@NAME@@'s most widely-known pizza delivery chain, Papa Pallocci's Pizza Pagoda. "You've got a problem with prisoners, and I've got a problem finding employees. Why don't you just send some of your criminals to Papa Pallocci's? We'll put 'em to work at lower pay as punishment for their crimes! I win, you win... the economy wins!"

In the future, you may want to list the other choices of the issue when asking which one helps the most. :wink: Yes, that's going to help your economy the most.

~Bas

Haha whoops, my fault, here's the other two options. Also, does option 3 make Pizza Delivery my main industry, because I really don't want that:

The Debate
1. "I tell ya, chief... this ain't good," mutters local police chief @@RANDOMNAME@@ over his morning cup of coffee. "I see these no-good mohawk-wearin' punks every day, and they're a dangerous bunch. They gotta be locked in their mudholes forever! If we can't afford to keep 'em in prison, I say we need more money! Let's just casually shift some funding from elsewhere; after all, it ain't like our welfare program is helping keep these kids away from crime."

2. "How can these wayward individuals find their inner selves by staring at the walls within a stone cell?" challenges human rights activist and local prison license plate maker @@RANDOMNAME@@ "The nation's budget is absolute proof: we cannot afford prisons... strictly because of their immorality! Let these caged birds breathe the sweet air of freedom again! Shut down all prisons in @@NAME@@!"

Option 3 would, I imagine make your Pizza industry larger. Whether it would be your main industry depends on the sizes of your other industries.

I don't have records on the prison-building issue, but as I recall, the third option didn't do much for the economy. The other two suck. I recommend dismissing this issue.

The fastest way build your economy is to ban labor unions, if you get the issue where your major industry strikes. I have seen a nation gain NINE levels at once due to this issue. However, it will also raise your crime quite a bit. The more unequal the income distribution in your nation is already, the less effective this issue will be. If you already have a high crime rate (generally indicative of inequity) you might only gain one level.
The same goes, though to a lesser degree, for most things that increase inequality or benefit the rich (like letting them buy off your political parties). Legalizing monopolies, notably, has no benefits.

I don't recommend environment-trashing choices unless you're desperate or don't care about the environment. They're usually a poor trade, with big losses to your environment and small gains for your economy.

Giving subsidies to the auto industry is usually good for one level, but it raises your taxes and may be bad in the long run.

Protecting the auto industry with tariffs sometimes gains a level, and sometimes not. Don't know if there are long-term disadvantages to this.

Option 1 on "suits in protest" (igoring those commies) is usually good for a gain, as is privatizing your beaches.

Legalizing hunting your national animal for food may be good for a level, and you will eventually get an issue that allows you to restore it.

Subsidizing child labor (Tykes with Tools, option 3) can either lower or raise your economy quite a bit; I haven't figured out yet why. It will also raise crime.

Legalizing gambling (Child Casino Shock) is occasionally good for an increase.

Boosting government spending sometimes seems to help, but since it raises your taxes it will probably be worse in the long run.

Getting your taxes down will improve your economy, but it will take time. Some options that reduce taxes:

Homeschooling children (not sure if this is good in the long run, though)
Legalizing cars (if you have banned them)
ignoring the "suits in protest" (option 1)
Privatizing beaches
putting tariffs on auto imports
letting corporations buy politicians
outlawing unions
cutting military spending
subsidizing child labor (tykes with tools)
legalizing public nudity (don't ask me why)
cut spending (citizens complain about unfair tax burden)
creating a feudal society (option 1, titles of nobility)

That choice did nothing really for my economy, it stayed the same. I assume in the hidden stats it went up a bit though. Nothing drastic. On the other hand,
Citizens are frequently held at gunpoint by local pizza boys.