CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) In a wide-ranging conversation on Morning News, UVA economics professor Dr. Ed Burton shared his perspective on several major issues, including proposed changes to Virginia’s tax code. Responding to a candidate’s call to eliminate the car tax, Burton said he supports the idea in theory but stressed the importance of balance. “If you eliminate the car tax and just increase some other tax… that may turn out to be worse,” he said, adding that it would only be beneficial if paired with spending cuts.

The discussion also shifted to college athletics, particularly the NCAA’s recent decision to use artificial intelligence to regulate Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. “You’ve opened Pandora’s box… I think it’s now pretty much a professional sport,” Burton said, pointing out that NIL bidding wars are now spreading beyond just football and basketball.

A self-described fiscal conservative who advises both Governor Youngkin and the Teamsters Union, Burton also reflected on his work supporting blue-collar workers and union advocacy. “These aren’t rich people. These aren’t people riding the wave. These are hardworking, family-oriented people,” he said, expressing strong support for collective bargaining. He closed with cautious optimism regarding oil prices in light of a reported ceasefire in the Middle East, predicting that inflation will stay low due to signs of a weakening economy.

Listen to the full conversation here: