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Michigan Paying $860 Million In Select Tax Incentives, Subsidies

Favored businesses get preferences

… Michigan's Select Subsidy Programs Commentary: There Is No Good Reason the MEDC Should Exist A Bipartisan Disaster: Michigan Corporate Welfare Program … Legislature Proposes Expansion of Corporate Welfare Program Pressure Mounting For MEDC Transparency more

LG Chem: A Look Back At the Failed Predictions

Company generated more press releases than batteries

… and new jobs.” In a statement, the MEDC said the state hasn’t given any tax … Holland battery project. To date, MEDC has not issued any credit certificates … for the Mackinac Center, said the MEDC that oversees the state tax credit … companies. The most recent report the MEDC gave on LG Chem was in the 2012 annual … more

State Government Has Poor Record Predicting Jobs

… promises about job numbers that did not come to be. MIRS News reported that under under Gov.Granholm's tenure, her administration reported that the MEDC claimed to have created 1.4 million jobs, or 29 percent of the state's entire labor force. That was being reported at the time Michigan led the country … more

Gotion is ‘wholly owned’ by a Chinese company, and 2 other takeaways from its foreign-agent filing

Gotion’s FARA declaration contradicts its articles of association

… staffers from both EGLE and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. On Jan. 30, three EGLE staffers were on the call, and four were from the MEDC. On a phone call about environmental issues, the business development team outnumbered the environmentalists. The final outcome of those discussions … more

Michigan Gives Unfair Tax Handouts To Try and Counter 'Right to Work' States

Democratic Rep. ignores millions in special deals for company picking Michigan over Tennessee

… chosen Michigan without the MEDC tax handouts. That video is now listed as “private” on a MEDC website. In a column he wrote … of the deal." "Without the MEDC, this facility wouldn't have … Michigan," Gitter said. An MEDC memo said Ralco Industries … 2010 memo. The tax credit, the MEDC said, would offset those disadvantages. … more

GlobalWatt Claims on Applications for MEGA Deals Disputed, Raise Questions About MEDC Scrutiny

State Should Investigate GlobalWatt’s Claims, Says Center Analyst

… information we have uncovered suggest that state investigations by both the MEDC and the Attorney General's office of Michigan are warranted," said LaFaive. … Heeds Requests for Investigation of Embattled Film Studio Senator Says MEDC Should Stop Believing Its Own Press Releases Owner of "One Dollar" Race … more

Gas Tax and Fee Discussion Worth Having

… great irony in this is that investing these savings in state roads and bridges might actually produce a positive return on investment, something the MEDC probably hasn’t done in the whole of its existence.  This is just one idea and it gets us more than 10 percent of the way to the lower estimate of … more

Media Loves Corporate Welfare Stories, But Silent When Jobs Go Bust

'Amelia Earhart economics – disappears with no evidence of what happened'

… individuals that had or would be hired directly by a subsidy recipient. In September 2013, Michigan's auditor general released a report on one of the MEDC’s programs, the 21st Century Jobs Fund. It found that only 19 percent of the projected direct jobs materialized. Leon Drolet, chair of the Michigan … more

Embattled Agency in Charge of Special Tax Favors Snaps at Critics

… to attract businesses. The MEDC's open letter comes after some … state audit that found the MEDC awarded tax credits to companies … revealed that a $38 million MEDC tax credit program in Ann Arbor … McMillin estimates that the MEDC gave out $150 million in tax … qualify for them. Although the MEDC open letter doesn't point out … more

A Bipartisan Disaster: Michigan 'Corporate Welfare' Program Rolls On

State's attempts at economic development costs plenty, returns little

… legislators and bureaucrats. The MEDC’s website contains press releases … job promises panned out. The MEDC doesn't issue press releases … hundreds of millions of dollars in MEDC handouts and lost tax revenue … YouTube channel created by the MEDC itself, containing interviews … capitalism failures. A scan of the MEDC press releases reveals hundreds … more

This Newspaper's Headline Says It All

… up to 65 employees" ForTheRecord says: If the MEDC were an actual employee, you’d wonder how it has … Michigan's Office of the Auditor General looked at two MEDC job creation programs and found only 19 percent … occurred. The report found one company that the MEDC projected would create 600 jobs ended up with 7 … more

Little Disclosure on Business Subsidies

Deals could eat up half of budget surplus

… incentives and how much they are receiving. The MEDC makes an announcement when the credits are authorized, … when only 29 percent of the jobs announced by the MEDC ever materialize. There are no reports about current … dated employment information is available.) The MEDC is much better about its new direct business incentive, … more

Puffery or Proof? The Business of Tourism Subsidy 'Budget Justification'

State agency pays for self-serving spin

… people they represent. The MEDC is the agency in charge of … current chairman is the former MEDC official in charge of the state’s … programs. Moreover, Longwoods’ MEDC business is the result of no-bid … some exceptions. Since the MEDC did not seek multiple bids, … the costs.” Note that the MEDC did not ask a vendor to investigate … more

Blown Away By Flawed Research on Jobs Program

Michigan spent millions with little to show for it

… create jobs in Michigan. Yet the study did not offer substantial proof. The MEDC needs to be more transparent about the shortcomings of Gov. Granholm’s “Blown … it tried to show the impact of the jobs fund. Yet it did not justify the MEDC’s claims: It did not prove that jobs were created. Multiplier analyses only … more

MEGA Failure: Job Projections From Michigan Tax Credit Program Rarely Came True

Only 2.3 percent of projects met projections

… Pandering With Press Releases  Gov. Granholm and the MEDC were particularly adept at using press releases … information was incorrect. Officials from the MEDC did not respond to a request for comment. Select … Michigan's MEGA Habit Trim Corporate Welfare To $0 MEDC Programs Consistently Fall Short of Initial Claims … more

Public Servants Should Deliver More Than a List of Adjectives

Cheerleading a program without providing evidence is not enough

… without state support, then the state support is wasted. That same evidence would be required to demonstrate its instrumentality on other projects. The MEDC is a public entity and evidence-based arguments ought to be expected from public administrators. They ought to at least outline the supporting evidence … more

Déjà Vu All Over Again For Auditor General Report On Select Subsidy Programs

Despite failures, taxpayer funded corporate welfare continues

… program audit found that the MEDC doesn't follow-up on what the … money: "We concluded that the MEDC's efforts to evaluate the [program's] … assessing effectiveness." The MEDC noted that it was the Treasury … General report found that the MEDC did not follow up on what the … 2010 MEGA audit found that the MEDC did not follow up on what the … more

Political Reasons, Not Economic Ones, Keep Corporate Welfare Agency Alive

'Transparency' sidesteps real issue (but still worth pursuing)

… efforts to just dumping the MEDC altogether? Given the obstacles, … and independent studies, the MEDC's success rate for creating … “transparency” as practiced by MEDC largely means little or none … cooperation to dismantle the MEDC, and even after reining in … projects. Anyone who has discussed MEDC with numerous lawmakers knows … more

How Michigan Blew a Hole in its Budget

Handing out taxpayer dollars to large corporations was a bipartisan effort

… "Republicans have allowed the MEDC to become a runaway organization … press-release economy based on the MEDC’s “corporate giveaways.” Giving … There Is No Good Reason the MEDC Should Exist A Bipartisan … Program Pressure Mounting For MEDC Transparency There is No Good Reason the MEDC Should Exist Senator Says … more

Point One Finger, Three are Pointing Back at You

… Democratic Floor Leader Sam Singh both blamed Republicans for billions the MEDC has awarded Michigan’s largest corporations since 1995. ForTheRecord says: The MEDC’s "flagship" Michigan Economic Growth Authority (MEGA) program was launched … more

House Road Plan Leaves Plenty of Money for Pure Michigan Campaign

Threats that plan to fix roads jeopardizes state's tourism campaign is a red herring

… campaign, which is overseen by the MEDC. That claim is unwarranted. The MEDC budget is $400 million annually, … Michigan funding would be if the MEDC itself - which has 52 employees … visible and possibly most popular MEDC program. The fact that the … Michigan.” “Under our plan, MEDC would have to do some belt … more

Economic Interference Week

Economic Development Week is no cause for celebration

… arguably the largest of the MEDC’s programmatic failures, but … well as its benefits. The MEDC’s “Pure Michigan” advertising … of helping the economy. The MEDC claims huge returns on investment … redistributing taxpayer dollars. The MEDC bureaucrats who run these programs … for free. Steve Arwood, the MEDC’s chief, makes $267,000 a year … more

Michigan Loses 40K Grads; Corporate Welfare Program Paid $127K Each To Keep 125 of Them

Analyst: 'If the program was really about retaining college graduates or reversing the brain drain, it is clearly a failure'

… for Entrepreneurship and Venture Capital for the MEDC, made her pitch for how her organization is helping … half of the state’s venture capital funds." The MEDC has a 21st Century Jobs Fund that gives money to … Michigan Capitol Confidential Coverage of the MEDC Despite Lack of Jobs, Corporate Welfare Program … more

Election Night: More Corporate Handouts or More Personal Income Tax Cuts?

As expected, both candidates have different plans for economic growth

… meeting in March, Whitmer promised to “Unleash the MEDC” in her first year as governor. Presumably, this … destroyed by the taxes required to finance them. The MEDC is effectively the state’s corporate welfare department, … that was supposed to be temporary. But as for the MEDC, it is unlikely to disappear under a Schuette administration. … more

Legislators Vote To Continue Special Subsidy Program Without Knowing Whether It Works

State Senate wants to extend $844 million program; bill heads to the House

… 21st Century Job Fund's performance is not clear. For example, that 2012 MEDC report states that the company IA Inc./Three Fold Sensors reported negative … Vu All Over Again For Auditor General Report On Select Subsidy Programs MEDC Programs Consistently Fall Short of Initial Claims A Bipartisan Disaster: … more

State's Corporate Welfare Agency Hasn't Faced Real Media Scrutiny

… Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), which is the state’s corporate … responsibility to demand that MEDC provide basic transparency. … chain. The idea behind all of MEDC’s various programs and credits … cost to taxpayers. Audits of MEDC programs, performed by the … projected to be created under the MEDC’s 21st Century Jobs Fund ever … more

The Problem of Corporate Welfare

… defending its existence. The entity has agreed to deals that return little to the state, though it argues that things have changed. It’s true that the MEDC is better than in years past. The state has eliminated the MEGA tax credit program, which created an uncertain budget situation (though Michigan will … more

Would Ford Leave Michigan if Not for a Handout from the State?

… says: At the time of the agreement in 2010, the MEDC reported that Ford had 36,720 employees in Michigan. … employees in Michigan currently. That means the MEDC is taking credit for retaining every job in the … If that scenario doesn't seem likely, did the MEDC really "retain" every one of Ford’s Michigan jobs? … more

Lawmakers Poised To Continue Corporate Welfare Fund

Program track record includes inaccurate job creation claims, little transparency

… Program Rolls On Despite Lack of Jobs and Repeated Program Promises, Legislature Proposes Expansion of Corporate Welfare Program Pressure Mounting For MEDC Transparency more

Now is the Time to Demand Transparency from State's Corporate Welfare Agency

… is not surprising that the MEDC, Michigan’s corporate welfare … mind at rest regarding the MEDC. Although the concept behind … transparency requirements for the MEDC should be more stringent, not … opposite has been the case; the MEDC has long been one of the least … outraged. Ultimately the MEDC’s lack of transparency is the … more

State's Corporate Welfare Agency Has a History of Secrecy

… then-Gov. John Engler created the MEDC. Engler created the agency … about the way they were putting MEDC together,” said Rivet, who … interlocal agreements to create [the MEDC] allowed them to bring in private … constitution prohibited the MEDC from using state dollars, and … administration’s structuring of the MEDC was constitutional. "I thought … more

Other States Divulge What Michigan's Corporate Welfare Arm Keeps Secret

… names of companies receiving taxpayer money and other special treatment, the MEDC stopped doing so. Six years later, some of the circumstances were finally … the state was on the hook for $9.38 billion in liabilities from deals the MEDC had made with companies to extend tax breaks and subsidies. In his testimony, … more

While Local Governments Fight Food Trucks, State Subsidizes Some of Them

Food truck owner: ‘The government shouldn’t give grants to promote any business’

… Corp. does just that. The MEDC's "Mobile Cuisine Start-Up Program" … different types of businesses, the MEDC program could be a good thing. … a simple email. "[For the MEDC program], not only is the government … businesses and taxpayers." The MEDC defended the program, but said … said Katharine Czarnecki, the MEDC's director of community development. … more

Michigan Legislature Can Pursue Free-Market Agenda

… percent. Reforming the Michigan Economic Development Corporation by requiring greater transparency. The Mackinac Center recommends eliminating the MEDC entirely, but improved transparency would allow policymakers and taxpayers to better evaluate what they’re getting for $300 million in annual corporate … more

Michigan Incentive Policies Fooled by Job Turnover

State subsidized jobs are a fraction of the entire economy

… deals with individual companies, pledging $35.8 million in taxpayer dollars to create 5,477 jobs. Even if all of these jobs were created — and the MEDC does not have a good record on transforming announcements into jobs — it would account for just 2.8 percent of the actual job creation and none of … more

Interlocal Agreements – Good Intent, Bad Practice

… agreement between state and local governments, the MEDC is a liaison with local communities and agencies across the state.” But the MEDC does not provide public services like safety or … much less a tangential form of government like the MEDC. ILAs have also been twisted in such devious ways … more

Michigan grants $500K for electric boat charging solutions

Michigan Tech will study how far boaters can travel from their home docks before needing to recharge

… is to “put Michigan at the forefront of future-proofing sustainable maritime transportation.” Six projects received grant funds from the state. The MEDC announces them as follows: Arc, a California-based electric boat manufacturer will receive $20,000 to conduct technology demos and demonstrate the … more

The 'Pro Big Business' Myth Put to Rest

… showed a loss of 95 jobs per every $1 million in manufacturing tax credits per county. Another study by the Anderson Economic Group found that three MEDC programs cost the state 25,000 jobs and $85 million in tax revenue annually. Despite the critiques of the Mackinac Center as pawns of “big business,” … more

Flimsy Job Projections Used to Promote Selective Business Tax Breaks

Data center jobs unclear and legislation may not be enforceable

… only to dwindle to a lot less over the next month, when presumably they were no longer being tracked or measured? “I really can’t speak to whatever MEDC has done,” MacGregor said. If Switch's Nevada-based employees fly into Michigan a few days a week, will they be counted as jobs created by Michigan … more

Political Experience Separates Candidates In 98th District House GOP Primary

Gary Glenn vs. Karl Ieuter

… effective and efficient, I welcome it," Ieuter said. Glenn also said he would vote to close the pension system. Both candidates also agreed that the MEDC, the state agency that spends about $300 million per year on select business subsidies, needs to be reined in or eliminated. If that doesn't happen, … more

State Tourism Spending Ineffective

… program — in the position of reprioritizing its remaining resources. The MEDC is trying to halt a redirection of its funding to road repairs. It is possible that the MEDC may find a way to shift money around to keep the advertising campaign going, … more

State Websites Give History a Rewrite

… said RASCO was removed to "avoid confusion." She said there is a link with MEDC CEO Greg Main's statement on RASCO. At the bottom of the Web site, under … Releases" are four links including one that reads: "Statement by Greg Main, MEDC President and CEO." But there is another press release on the state of … more

Google Jobs Lacking, Yet Some Locals Still Consider It a 'Badge of Honor' for Ann Arbor

… in its first five years.  An MEDC press release stated, "Granholm … announcement. According to the MEDC, Google brought in 163 jobs … deal would yield. Using the MEDC's tax credit formula, it is … of the companies involved in MEDC tax credit deals fall far short … announcement program." The MEDC doesn't have 2009 numbers for … more

Michigan Capitol Confidential Election 2014 Coverage

… in order to pay off Hollywood movies.  Dale Rogers: “YES! YES! YES! to MEDC transparency reforms and NO! NO! NO! to the state of Michigan giving out … will save Michigan taxpayers $400 million a year. Repeal it.” Al Gui: “[MEDC programs] lead to a lack of a code of conduct which translates to shadowy … more

State’s Economic Central Planning Agency Behaving Differently Under New Leadership

… staffing requirements. The MEDC shortened the company’s term … Service (www.MIRSNews.com), the MEDC reduced by one year how long … tax-free renaissance zone.” MEDC spokeswoman Karla Campbell … “least punitive” action the MEDC could take. But that isn’t the only practice the MEDC has changed lately. In May, … more

Resort Owners On Subsidy Agency's Committee, Get Its Subsidies, Praise It In Newspaper

Spokesman says it’s all legal

… Development Corporation or MEDC) and its programs. The commentary … Traverse City Record-Eagle. The MEDC’s work with local governments … The MacInnes’ support of the MEDC and its array of taxpayer-funded … is a long-serving member of MEDC’s executive committee. That’s … noted in the tribute to the MEDC, Crystal Mountain received … more

State Loans Often Losers

… being "uncollectible." The MEDC doesn't expect almost 33 percent … project does make money, the MEDC can get its money back. For example, in 2009 the MEDC stated that it has $2.8 million … ~~~~~ See also: Senator Says MEDC Should Stop Believing Its Own Press Releases Analysis: MEDC Letter an Admission of Failure … more

Predictions of Success Are Public - Failures Are Secret?

Michigan Economic Development Corp. very open with predictions of success, growing more secretive with news of failure

… The effectiveness of the MEDC's tax credits has come under … about 3 of the 10 jobs the MEDC claims will be created are … General's report. She questioned MEDC CEO Greg Main about the job … disconnect with reality." The MEDC's responses to requests for … information. On April 29, the MEDC did release actual job data … more

Lawmaker Lobbies Against Lobbyist

… rule that bans lobbyists. The MEDC has been embroiled in series … Taxpayers Alliance, said the MEDC having its lobbyist prowling … unclear with regard to the MEDC. State Rep. Tom McMillin, … Mike Shore, spokesman for the MEDC, said there are two rules that … 2010, McBryde was listed on the MEDC organizational chart as a vice … more

Land Bank Loans Often Losers

… million was "uncollectible." The MEDC didn't expect almost 33 percent of … loans to be repaid last year. The MEDC stated it will either write off these … if the project does make money, the MEDC can get its money back. For example, in 2009 the MEDC stated that it had $2.8 million in … more

No Audits for Ten Years on Companies Getting Special Tax Breaks from State

… Wednesday. Greg Main of the MEDC said that is now changed and … R-Rochester Hills, estimated the MEDC may have given out $150 million … place from 1995 to 2005 because MEDC officials didn't believe there … for the tax credits and the MEDC staff had a close relationship … issued since 2006. Main said the MEDC even hired an outside firm … more

Bouchard 'Would Not Hesitate' to End State's Economic Central Planning Agency

… and a dogged critic of the MEDC for more than a decade. "Its … public relations effort by the MEDC took place during the final … don't like what it says." The MEDC definitely has something to … Economic Growth Authority — the MEDC's primary method of doling out … ammunition for critics of the MEDC and MEGA began raining down … more

Green Bus Biz Fails: Government Planners Pick a Loser … and Stick With It

… model becomes clearly perilous. MEDC officials reached out to local, … investors had backed out. One top MEDC official reached out to a private … then vice president at the MEDC, wrote in a March 2, 2010, … Staebler wrote in an email to MEDC staff. However, documents … praised Fisher, a Feb. 15, 2010, MEDC memo stated that Fisher CoachWorks … more

Inflated Jobs Numbers Cost Michigan Taxpayers $7.7 Million

Over-reported numbers from Michigan's two largest auto companies

… contained in an audit of the MEDC performed by the CPA firm Andrews … also be working to make sure MEDC convinces me that this sloppy … future,” Rep. McMillin said. The MEDC was criticized in two previous … “phantom jobs” issue shows the MEDC’s tax credit program was flawed … exist.” Spokespeople from the MEDC, Ford and GM didn’t return … more

State's Corporate Welfare Agency Takes Credit for Creating Jobs in Good Times ... and Bad

Michigan Economic Development Corporation oversaw the worst job losses in history

… in the state budget," the MEDC’s James C. Epolito told the … administrative figures, from MEDC CEO Steve Arwood to Gov. Rick … efforts are working.” The MEDC was created in April of 1999. … the first 17 months of the MEDC’s existence. In the 174 months … highest unemployment rate, the MEDC's director made this boast in … more

Repeat Business At State’s Corporate Subsidy Window

After first grant led to no new jobs, state gives company a loan

… Michael Finney, then CEO of the MEDC, said it was a sign that “Michigan … records available from the MEDC, Proos was in default on its … resulted from the agreement. The MEDC declined to provide further … planning a new expansion. MEDC officials were involved with … years. In a press release, MEDC CEO Jeff Mason said the state’s … more

An 'Expensive Game' Providing the 'Illusion of Creating Jobs'

State economic development czars trusted the job projections provided by horse race track seeking special tax treatment

… MichCapCon.com will be reviewing another MEDC project that has become mired … incentives over 30 years. The MEDC trumpeted this project as "the … disconnect with reality." Is the MEDC giving away taxpayers' dollars … bloated job estimates? The MEDC didn't respond to e-mails seeking … the negotiations between the MEDC and Post It Stables for the … more

Trim Corporate Welfare to $0

… well-deserving and large cut. The MEDC’s basic function is to take … to fund it will kill. The MEDC’s many failures and other short … convicted felon out on parole. The MEDC and its many “jobs” programs … elsewhere. State revenues for the MEDC actually are appropriated by … appropriated are transferred to the MEDC, though these are not the only … more

Corporate Subsidy Agency Claims Giving 18 Firms Average $321 Per Job Saved Those Jobs

… Marie recently received a $2,000 grant from one MEDC program. The facility celebrated its 10th anniversary … said. “Every penny helps a small business.” The MEDC also reported handing out $2,500 to Bruno’s Bar … business. That comes to $108.70 per job. This one MEDC program gave 18 businesses in one region a total … more

Analysis: Follow the Money - No Wonder Corporate Welfare Bosses So Defensive

… Rapids-based The Right Place’s Birgit Klohs ($282,320 in 2008). Prior to his MEDC appointment Finney was the director of the Ann Arbor branch of this establishment, … to AnnArbor.com he was paid $258,423 in 2008. ~~~~~ See also: Thirty-One MEDC Salaries Top $100K more

Awarded Millions, Wind Turbine Company Defaults on State Loan

State gives very little information on companies it subsidizes

… Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) report had boasted that Ventower … evaluating how effective the MEDC's incentives are, people shouldn't … data should be provided by the MEDC. “All the state is reporting … said. Hohman believes the MEDC should have to disclose how … Mike Shore, spokesman for the MEDC, didn't return an email seeking … more

State Officials 'Stretch' the Law to Award Special Tax Deal to Troubled Business

… MichCapCon.com will be reviewing another MEDC project that has become mired … incentives over 30 years. The MEDC trumpeted this project as "the … rejection of the deal by the MEDC led to queries from top Wayne … completion of the race track. The MEDC touted the project as a tourist … requested documents from the MEDC related to the race track in … more

Troubles for Track Were Known to State Before It Granted Special Tax Deal

… Corporation claimed. In 2008, the MEDC approved up to $48 million … to keep it operating. The MEDC operates in relative obscurity. … those deals years later. The MEDC claims that the actual jobs … handling of the deal by the MEDC. The more than 500 pages of … brokered between companies and the MEDC. The track first made news … more

Super Speedway Notches Second State Subsidy

… a politically favored business.” MEDC spokeswoman Michelle Begnoche said … She said the $972,500 came from the MEDC’s investment income and money that the Indian gaming casinos gave the MEDC as part of a deal for the privileged … for the Mackinac Center, said the MEDC was “splitting hairs.” He pointed … more

Project Gets $100,000 Taxpayer Subsidy, Creates Zero Jobs, Firm Returns Just $26,000

Officials had boasted ‘additional good-paying jobs for years to come’

… renovations and add 65 new employees. The MEDC’s then-CEO Michael Finney said in a … work out that way. According to MEDC’s 2017 annual report to the Legislature … permanent jobs that resulted. The MEDC, responding to an email request for … inception in 2011 through May 2017, the MEDC awarded nearly $400 million in taxpayer … more

No New Permanent Jobs From State Corporate Subsidy

Nexthermal gets $50k from taxpayers, repays $30k, creates no new permanent jobs

… India, according to a news release from MEDC. Former MEDC CEO Michael Finney said at the time: … default on it. The following year, the MEDC reported that the company made a repayment … respond to a request for comment. MEDC officials declined to provide additional … more

MEGA Careful?

… specifics. But this wasn't the MEDC's first major gaff this year. … Memo" on RASCO prepared by MEDC staffers shows just how little … "Briefing Memo" prepared by MEDC bureaucrats suggests that the … (ICT) under a single network." MEDC Briefing Memo: "RASCO has developed … the increasingly secretive MEDC, it is impossible to know, … more

Owner of "One Dollar" Race Track Property Was Not Sent Tax Bills for Two Years

… tax credits. In a memo, the MEDC stated its analysis found the … languish." ~~~~~ See also: MEDC-Endorsed Bet on Horse Track … Lawmaker Lobbies Against Lobbyist MEDC: 'Stop Pointing Out Our Failures' … Given Out by State Thirty-One MEDC Salaries Top $100K State Websites … for Economic Development? MEDC needs accountability, transparency … more

Horse Race Track Says Wayne County “Perfectly Comfortable” With Controversial Land Deal

… Sent Tax Bills for Two Years MEDC-Endorsed Bet on Horse Track … Disputed, Raise Questions About MEDC Scrutiny Mackinac Center Investigation … Lawmaker Lobbies Against Lobbyist MEDC: 'Stop Pointing Out Our Failures' … Given Out by State Thirty-One MEDC Salaries Top $100K State Websites … for Economic Development? MEDC needs accountability, transparency … more

‘Economic Development’ Week Skips the ‘Development’ Part

Corporate welfare claims are grand, but the results are practically nonexistent

… was preserved on video at the MEDC website. Granholm said numerous … bought by a Chinese company. The MEDC deleted its video of the press … similar fate happened to many MEDC-supported alternative energy … administration. While the MEDC promotes its state-subsidized … subsidized through various MEDC programs were created. But … more

Debate: Could Union Costs Be Pricing Michigan Out of Auto Jobs?

… state had it not been for the MEDC’s handouts. MEDC memos received through a Freedom … financially support unions. But the MEDC’s own briefing memos on four … For example, a July 20, 2010, MEDC memo made its case for Cascade … wage structure” as one reason MEDC’s tax incentives were needed. … more

Trim Corporate Welfare to $0

… well-deserving and large cut. The MEDC's basic function is to take … to fund it will kill. The MEDC’s many failures and other short … convicted felon out on parole. The MEDC and its many "jobs" programs … elsewhere. State revenues for the MEDC actually are appropriated by … appropriated are transferred to the MEDC, though these are not the only … more

Pure Flummery: Seeing Double on Corporate Welfare Spin

Pure Michigan ads are attractive corporate welfare

… taxpayer-funded tourism ads. The MEDC is this state’s agency in charge … recent report it did for the MEDC purports to show a $6.87 return … to generate the claim. The MEDC paid almost $150,000 for this … claims. To the contrary, the MEDC has offered a dubious defense … “validation study” for which the MEDC paid a different contractor … more

Legislation needed to address MEGA audit findings

… Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) officials - who oversee the … report. I am encouraged that the MEDC has made some corrective actions … jobs last year alone.  If the MEDC and the governor created 1.4 … concerned about the impression of MEDC inflating job creation numbers … scandal, which erupted after the MEDC approved a $9 million MEGA … more

Corporate Welfare a Continual Failure

Time for government to focus on the basics

… too often are the norm. In recent years, this has included film subsidies, MEDC select business deals focusing on “green energy” and the “cool cities” project. It even led one former legislator to say that the MEDC should “stop believing its own press releases.”   If there is one lesson … more