The bill would increase the amount available to award this year by $15 million. If that sum sounds relatively modest, consider 2 points. First, each new grant can last up to 12 years, meaning the extra $15 million could increase the program’s payout by $180 million. Second, N.C. has already issued more than 200 grants since 2002 that will deprive state coffers of an estimated $157 million in the next 2 budget years alone. Outstanding liabilities for corporate incentives–$1 billion!
Proponents argue that other states are playing the incentives game, and businesses expect to trade tax cuts for jobs. That claim deserves a closer look. A recent report summarized the results of 55 peer-reviewed articles on the impact of targeted tax incentives, and the results are not encouraging. More than 70% of the studies found that incentives either did not substantially contribute to economic performance or produced mixed results. As an example, in 2011, $20 million of state money helped lure Chiquita Brands from Cincinnati to Charlotte. But after a recent buyout, Chiquita plans to close the headquarters, and community leaders are now working to recover as much money as possible.
There are other steps lawmakers can take that are much more likely to boost the economy: Ensure the delivery of high-quality services such as schools and roads while lowering costs, flattening taxes and repealing unnecessary regulations.
Classroom discussion questions:
1. Argue the pros and cons of such incentives.
2. Discuss the OM in Action box on Mercedes on page 331.