"Frankly, If the MEDC's record of success was even a good one, it would still be inappropriate to be using taxpayer money from some business, or workers, and giving it to potential competitors or firms that simply shuffle the deck chairs to meet "winner" requirements.  Given the lack of success and the abuses of such efforts, its time to end the program in its entirety.

Our state government is NOT a bank, nor is it a private philanthropic organization which uses its own money to reward good works.  Its role and ability as provider of certain infrastructure, public health and safety, and `general welfare' (schools, competitive regulatory environment, etc) is abused and threatened when it steps into risk taking ventures."

"The state of Michigan gave one company $1.65 million, with which zero jobs were created or retained after the business went bankrupt.

...

The money was given through the Michigan Strategic Fund, a state program that administers the 21st Century Investments program "to strengthen and diversify Michigan's economy by investing in venture capital, private equity, and mezzanine funds as a method to create jobs and provide financial assistance for the creation of new businesses or industries."

To date, the direct investment category consists of a single direct investment worth $1.65 million made in Microposite Inc., which was supposed to produce "environmentally friendly" siding products. The state received $55,373 from the investment before Microposite terminated its entire staff on June 30, 2009, and went out of business. The company also received other state support.

The 21st Century Jobs Fund progress report states that zero jobs were created or retained from the $1.65 million investment in Microposite."

Not so much.

A point that needs to be hammered home repeatedly, is not only the underlying failure of results, but the moral hazard associated with such efforts. There is something else however.  And tying together the failure of Michigan to be as resilient in recent years as it was for so may decades previous, the article continues with a quote that also points out an important message that needs to be taken seriously:

"The experience from the 50 states is that when government attempts to compete by picking winners and losers, it usually means the state is failing in terms of overall competitiveness," said Jonathan Williams, director of tax and fiscal policy at the American Legislative Exchange Council. "Additionally, government officials open themselves to charges of cronyism and corruption when they engage in economic micromanagement."

"The best approach is when states work to create a competitive environment for all."

Yet we struggle to convince those recipients of the perfect storm of political consequence that Right To Work will provide that competitive edge.  With all branches of government in a supposedly blue state being under control of supposedly Republican leadership, we should have to fight for common sense reforms such as Right To Work?

And folks ask why I am running?

We should be asking why there are not more!