Ford Executive Chairman Bill Ford Jr. said the additional investment will create about 1,000 jobs in Michigan.

    "What we are doing with electrics is a big deal," Ford said. "It's a major development for our company, for our community and frankly for our country."

    Earlier today, the Michigan Economic Growth Authority approved a $78 million tax credit for Ford for battery pack assembly and $110 million in job retention and other tax credits.

    Ford said those tax credits helped to make it economically feasible for Ford to bring the work to Michigan. A Ford supplier currently assembles battery packs for the company's hybrid vehicles in Mexico.

But how might I secure such a thing?  Perhaps if I threaten to move my operations to Mexico?

Well. maybe if I simply point out my "footprint" is quite small and will require no additional improvements around the warehouse..  Maybe the MEDC MEGA folks will cut my grass?  OR put in irrigation for me..

One of the interesting arguments I recall for the incentive credits for the film industry, was that the local communities which were going to benefit from them would not be subject to "infrastructure improvements".   Use of factories like Ford or other major installations often requires road improvement, water, septage, etc..  Often with a time delay payback scheme where bonds might have to be issued for the community to afford them.

So additional expenses by the local community which "benefits" will be incurred, but theoretically the benefit outweighs the cost locally I am sure..  Its not like anyone has to pay taxes or higher utilities to cover those bond costs.. That would be absurd.

Then outside of our state money.. there is the "incentive.."  You know, that one where the government will be paying people who will still be just-so-uncomfortable buying the expensive electric vehicles, that they will have to be encouraged by the federal government in the form of rebates, credits, etc..

Don't get me wrong..  I LIKE Ford.  I LIKE jobs..  I LOVE this state, its people, and all of the wonderful resources it offers.  But..  We are simply paying people in government to shuffle money around.  And to add to that we are shuffling money FROM those who require little assistance for their success to those who DEMAND it.

Any business takes measured risks and seeks opportunities.  Sometimes those opportunities are generated by fear as in this case, where we would rather subsidize at ridiculously high levels, rather than lose job opportunities to Mexico.  The subsidies however sometimes coming from people who have no direct interest in the success of failure of this one company.

Huh.. maybe like our state's advertising?  Pooor Mi... hmmm

Subsidies are ALWAYS Wrong.  Typically they become a political tool to reward the support of particular constituencies, but aside from that, it is always better to create a truly competitive environment that provides benefit for all NATURALLY.  The advantage of lower and simpler (and STABLE) tax policy draws long term development.  The advantage of non interference by government in the affairs of a business employing and creating job opportunities, keeps that business from seeking the alternate path of least resistance.  Be it a move to another state, country, or simply closing its doors.

No one in government creates anything but government jobs.  Frankly, any politician who claims he will bring jobs to your community may do so, but only while some other communities pay the bill.  Not one Republican or Democrat, or Libertarian or Communist can accomplish what a truly free market can.   When I hear the words "I'll create Jobs," I know the rest of the speech is likely riddled with lies and partial truths.

Further, the spending of taxpayer generated revenue to give to a company that only needs a better environment essentially subsidizes an artificially high wage ceiling, and rewards the very institutions which have organized to create the environments that have driven business from Michigan (and the USA) in the first place.. the labor unions.

Come one come all!  For the privilege of gaining entrance to one of these coveted attractions, you get to buy your ticket with union dues!  Step right up! Its the beast that never sleeps! Its paws can reach you all the way from Lansing! Its gaping Maw can swallow whole industries! Its Brutal! Its fierce! But feed it, and it purrs like a kitten.. for a short while..