register

posted by King Minos in Money / Career

How Much For Caterpillar??

December 1, 2012

A Times investigation has examined and tallied thousands of local incentives granted nationwide and has found that states, counties and cities are giving up more than $80 billion each year to companies. The beneficiaries come from virtually every corner of the corporate world, encompassing oil and coal conglomerates, technology and entertainment companies, banks and big-box retail chains

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/02/us/how-local-taxpayers-bankroll-corpor...

THIS is what I worry about when our elected local reps begin the chest-beating about attracting new businesses or industry to Athens and the metro area. I am almost positive NO ONE really vets the offers and promises ... they just grab all the credit THEY CAN. And NEVER look back!

It matters. Economic incentives can do:

As much harm, tax-wise, as they benefit taxpayers. No gain.

More harm tax-wise than they benefit taxpayers: Net Loss

Generate more benefits to taxpayers than they cost taxpayers: Yes, it's this one! Grade

Replies- Please Read The Terms of Service Before Posting:

 

Find us on Facebook & Twitter

Find us on Facebook Find us on Twitter

tweet

DEALS

Want your business here? Contact Leslie Turner for more information.

blogs

  • Nick
    Coltrain

    Rep. Regina Quick pulls no punches on Chamber scorecard

    Rep. Regina Quick, R-Athens, was one of two local delegates to score less than an "A+" in the Chamber of Commerce's annual legislative score card. She and I played phone tag Monday when I was reporting the story and I wasn't able to get her comments in a timely fashion. Instead, she sent over this statement Wednesday morning and she did not mince her words. (Links and italicized portions are my own; otherwise, it's as she wrote it.) Dear Friends: read more

  • Nick
    Coltrain

    UPDATED: Draft language of so-called curfew ordinance

    The committee opted Tuesday night to put off deciding on the ordinance until, at the earliest, its next meeting. Of note: The Athens-Clarke County attorney highlighted that the proposed times are, in essence, placeholders for the commission to change or keep as it pleases.   Full text of the Use of Public Right-of-Ways ordinance draft is below. read more

see more blogs