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Legislators Who Promote Transparency Should Start by Disclosing Corporate Welfare Deals

MEDC secrecy patronizes lawmakers and public

… Corporation to more sunshine. The MEDC is the state’s department of … bureaucracy. The failure of MEDC programs to create and maintain … to keep its records secret. MEDC officials routinely stymie … I’ve recommended before, the MEDC should be shut down in its … spends their tax dollars. The MEDC employs a dark methodology … more

MEDC Testimony a Reminder That More Transparency is Needed

New legislation would make the MEDC more transparent and accountable

… reminded this viewer why the MEDC needs more transparency and accountability. The MEDC’s chief operating officer, Amanda … described reviews of the MSF-MEDC by the Michigan Office of the Auditor General of Michigan. The MEDC has made a history of cheering … her opening statement, the MEDC’s COO said, “To date the Good … more

The Real Problem With ‘Economic Development’ Programs

Michigan should end the MEDC

… suffer if the state sacked the MEDC. The reality is that the states … admits in the piece, “[The MEDC’s] overall impact on job creation … their core mission. While the MEDC and MEGA started as small, … harm than good. It’s good that MEDC has shrunk – but that doesn’t … it will stay that way. The MEDC does more political development … more

Pure Michigan Scare Tactics

MEDC deploys 'Washington Monument syndrome'

… transportation infrastructure. The MEDC is the state’s corporate welfare … construction and maintenance. The MEDC does not want its funding cut … Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), said the plan "severely limits … the press release from the MEDC, the media reports soon followed. … not nearly as valuable as the MEDC says, but it is undoubtedly … more

Three Cheers for Michigan House Democrats

Questioning MEDC transparency is the right thing to do

… The latest salvo against the MEDC was inspired, at least in part, … obtain information from the MEDC. “I don’t think the Legislature … Joseph Rivet actually argued the MEDC should lose its funding over … try to hold these guys at the MEDC accountable to taxpayers, they … who also are troubled by the MEDC's lack of transparency and accountability. … more

MEDC's New Program: Government Funding Government

City of Ypsilanti will benefit from MEDC's $50,000

… enterprises will receive any of the $50,000 MEDC is kicking in to a “crowdfunding” project … anymore.” In response to questions MEDC Spokesman Mike Shore referred to an … of Ypsilanti.” ~~~~~ See also: MEDC Boss Says Agency Changing; Has Long … Companies There is No Good Reason the MEDC Should Exist Beer Website Provides … more

MEDC Boss Says Agency Changing; Has Long History of Backing Bad Companies

A look back at five MEDC-backed failures

… original jobs projected by the MEDC came to fruition. Finney said … 21st Century Jobs Fund, which the MEDC oversees, was created by the … of what is possible." "The MEDC of today is a very different … said in a press release.  The MEDC has a long history of making … last few years made by the MEDC on unproven technologies. … more

MEDC Consultant Busted for ‘Recycling’ Reports

… need for more investment in MEDC programs. Specifically, the … of Kentucky involving the MEDC’s winning bidder, a firm called … submitted in response to an MEDC request for proposal looks … a recycled version of the MEDC’s own deeply flawed RFP. There’s … conforming to those sought by the MEDC. Pleasing a client is not … more

A Uniquely Overqualified Candidate

LaFaive's satirical cover letter for MEDC job

… Authority, which was run by the MEDC. We found that for every $123,000 … companies declared “winners” by MEDC jobs wizards, only one construction … included a broader analysis of the MEDC itself, found an empirical … the other programs run by the MEDC for the purpose of creating … delighted by the generosity of the MEDC’s pay. A salary range of between … more

Bonfire of the Bureaucratic Vanities

MEDC should publicize its failures, too

… and investment to our state,” then-MEDC president Michael Finney noted in a … addition to recommending this loan, the MEDC also supported, in the same year, an … happened. But that didn’t stop the MEDC from recommending in 2014 the company … fails to perform as expected, the MEDC should issue a press release announcing … more

State's Corporate Welfare Agency Tone Deaf to Requests for Transparency

MEDC treats transparency 'as an annoyance'

… much-needed transparency at the MEDC, companies accepting tax credits … conclusion of the hearing, the MEDC's chief executive, Steve Arwood, … a longstanding belief that MEDC presumes the public can't expect … with business interests. “The MEDC should have insisted that the … the Mackinac Center. “But the MEDC has treated basic transparency … more

Beer Website Provides More Information About Taxpayer Investment Than The State

Deals that never materialize are not reported by the MEDC

… "American Badass" beer. The MEDC doesn't mention anything in … business. The transparency of the MEDC is a concern, said James Hohman, … Center for Public Policy. The MEDC only tracks deals when the … are not reported on by the MEDC. For example, in 2008 the MEDC approved an estimated $827,000 … more

In 20 Years, Only Two Corporate Welfare Recipients Created 1,000+ Jobs

MEDC projections rarely come true

… recently, had the governor, MEDC, local agencies, etc., with … it was created in 1995, the MEDC has approved benefits for just … Both projects came under the MEDC’s former flagship program, the … created just seven. Many of the MEDC's announcements were made with … online advertising program. The MEDC authorized $38 million worth … more

What Would it Mean to Unleash the MEDC?

… its best, but it would be one way to unleash the MEDC. The state’s already doing some of that. Two programs … economy and justify taxpayer costs. Unleashing the MEDC is not about creating a conducive business environment … taxpayers have gotten for them. No, unleasing the MEDC is about politicians delivering money to select … more

Secretive Bidder Wins Pure Michigan Contract Over Transparent One

Auditor General, not MEDC, should hire reviews of corporate welfare programs

… centerpiece of its proposal. The MEDC has a reputation for obfuscation … Legislature should strip from the MEDC the right to review its own … investment from Pure Michigan. The MEDC has appeared perfectly comfortable … apparently unaware of the MEDC’s reputation for preferring … department itself. Because MEDC officials have incentives to … more

Every Corporate Welfare Incentive Means New Jobs, Except for Most of Them

MEDC says 'every' subsidized project 'means jobs'

… only met 19 percent of their projected job totals. The report found that one company only created 14 of the 200 jobs it was projected to create. The MEDC has offered selective benefits to companies many, many, many, many, many, many times (you get the picture) that created few or no jobs. more

According to Beneficiaries, All Government Spending Is Worth the Investment

… awarded a refundable tax credit to a convicted embezzler who had promised to develop water and electrical modules for use by third-world countries. The MEDC’s analysis showed that there were going to be 1,048 jobs created in the surrounding area because of the project, which was used to justify state support. … more

Job Numbers Vary Widely for Taxpayer Funded Electric Car Battery Maker A123 Systems

MEDC reported hundreds of jobs just prior to company's bankruptcy

… dynamics of how payroll was distributed and to how many employees is unclear to state and federal government officials. Kathy Fagan, spokeswoman for the MEDC, said the jobs number for A123 Systems was taken directly from A123's payroll records. "The feds may break out their numbers differently, but we don't … more

Tourism Promotion Study Criticism Absurd, Ironic

… inform public policy decisions, MEDC officials keep this methodology … to “check the work” of the MEDC’s consultants because their … multiple no-bid contracts from the MEDC, and whose current chair is a former MEDC official. When challenged on … hallmarks of valid scholarship. MEDC officials have strong incentives … more

State's Corporate Welfare Arm Says Ex-Attorney General Approved Being Less Transparent

MEDC: AG gave 'informal verbal advice' about not disclosing tax information

… general's office. In 2009, the MEDC stopped disclosing the names … on three questions posed to MEDC Vice President of Communications … the determination? 2 — Did MEDC ask for the ruling? 3 — Has … office.” To the question, “Did MEDC ask for the ruling?,” Shore … explanation for this particular MEDC step away from transparency. … more

State Agency Has 52 Employees Who Earn More Than $100K

State Rep.: 'The MEDC's track record in picking winners is poor'

… percent increase over the 31 MEDC employees that topped $100,000 … newsletter, reported the new MEDC salary numbers, which it said it obtained from the MEDC. In its article, MIRS made … distinction between the 12 "public" MEDC employees who made $100,000 … Corporate employees at the MEDC are primarily paid from Indian … more

Democrat Contradictions: Corporate Tax Breaks Bad, But Incentives for Hollywood Good

Dems criticize MEDC, but want to give more money to millionaire movie moguls

… referring to when mentioning the tax giveaways. "The MEDC is a slush fund the governor uses to funnel tax … programs that actually work, not empty promises. The MEDC for far too long has wasted tax dollars on proposals … Begnoche confirmed that her office is part of the MEDC. "Politicians of both parties score points with … more

Senator Says MEDC Should Stop Believing Its Own Press Releases

… senate hearing, Cassis told MEDC CEO Greg Main, "The press releases … Michael Shore, spokesman for the MEDC, didn't respond to an e-mail seeking comment. Cassis said the MEDC didn't seem too concerned that … legislation that would require the MEDC to state in its news releases … MIRS News researched the MEDC's job claims under Gov. Jennifer … more

Lawmakers Looking At MEDC Transparency

… Although the amount of funds the MEDC spends annually has been significantly … millions of taxpayer dollars. The MEDC has a history of investing … Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)." "Economic development and … pronounced with entities, like the MEDC, that are involved with promotion. Over the years, the MEDC has acquired a reputation for … more

A Case Study in Ineffectiveness for the MEDC

Lawmakers pass a budget cutting the agency

… businesses and industries. The MEDC has a dreadful track record. … $16 million. Predictably, the MEDC was not happy, saying this … money saved by cutting the MEDC budget will have a greater … have been some changes at the MEDC, two recent cases raise questions … “responsibly balances” the MEDC’s programs with other items … more

Pressure Mounting For MEDC Transparency

House Democrats call for scrutiny of corporate welfare programs; accountability for tax dollars

… allies — House Democrats. The MEDC is a government authority that … of Michigan. For years, the MEDC has been criticized for a lack … right to find out whether the MEDC is spending tax dollars wisely … that is supposed to make the MEDC more transparent. In fact, … provisions to recover the money the MEDC spends on poorly performing … more

Cut Corporate Welfare Before Social Welfare to Fund Roads

Michigan debates spending MEDC or EITC money on transportation

… transfers $187 million from the MEDC's corporate welfare programs … plan, however, does not touch MEDC funding. Leaders in both bodies … point would be to embrace the MEDC cuts of the House plan. “Michigan … Center for Public Policy. “The MEDC consumes hundreds of millions … unlikely to budge, cutting MEDC subsidies might be another … more

Spotty Track Record Doesn't Stop State Agency From Doling Out Deals

General Motors has 'created' fewer jobs than promised on 5 of the last 6 MEDC-partnered projects

… create jobs in the state. The MEDC's most recent beneficiary is … company's Warren Tech Center. The MEDC is planning to amend an existing … job projections involving the MEDC has not been good. In five … Motors got a tax deal with the MEDC in May 1999 for retaining 1,511 … facility, according to the MEDC. Not all the deals the MEDC … more

Commentary: 'Corporate Welfare' Hype Yields Few Economic Results

The companies promoted by the MEDC on Youtube are in financial trouble

… crony capitalism failures. The MEDC video on car battery assembler … CEO, David Vieau, praising the MEDC and former Gov. Jennifer Granholm … million government loan. The MEDC video on a film studio proposal … as high as $100 million. An MEDC video on converting the former … and thanks Gov. Granholm, the MEDC and local governments for their … more

MEDC Still Using Questionable Benchmarks

'What they are about is trying to find press release opportunities for politicians'

… jobs that were reported by the MEDC were actually created. In April … reality. Despite that, the MEDC is using "jobs committed" on its 2012 MEDC MIScorecard Performance Summary … success. It is unclear why the MEDC would continue to use a benchmark … Michael Shore, spokesman for the MEDC, was asked how "jobs committed" … more

MEDC Questioned About Its Transparency

Questions about how tax dollars spent could warrant new legislation

… Michigan budget. On June 13, 2011, MEDC sent him a document that was … the costs of supplies." The MEDC describes itself as "a public-private … the most recognized of the MEDC's responsibilities is Pure Michigan. … things going on in Michigan. The MEDC website also has a section … Genetski and others say the MEDC often doesn't fulfill that … more

MEDC's Priority: Defend Its Budget

When faced with criticism, it's discredit first, read the critique second

… and leisure industry. The MEDC's response has been to seek … articles in this series, the MEDC has granted several no-bid … provide evidence that the MEDC’s programs are not only unfair … contradicted claims by the MEDC and Longwoods that the campaign … according to emails from the MEDC obtained in response to a Freedom … more

The MEDC’s Pure Michigan Puffery: Part II

Reforms could make agency more credible

… percent in one year. If the MEDC (and Travel Michigan) ever … would the work of a reshaped MEDC look like? First, an independent … Legislature’s auditor general — not the MEDC itself — should be responsible … impact studies. Officials at the MEDC currently have too much incentive … (For more, see “Meet the New MEDC, Same as the Old MEDC.”) Second, … more

Thirty-One MEDC Salaries Top $100K

… Information Act request, the MEDC has 31 employees making $100,000 or more. The MEDC has 351 positions. Greg Main, president and CEO of the MEDC, had the top salary, at $200,000. … salary, at $150,000. "The MEDC was structured to incorporate … and non-state funds," wrote MEDC Spokeswoman Bridget Beckman … more

MEDC: The Same Old Run Around On Jobs Numbers

… Granholm was in office, the MEDC dodged questions about the … researchers and even lawmakers, the MEDC typically responded by sending data … those seeking answers from the MEDC were, in essence, being told … brought some changes to the MEDC, which is a quasi-governmental … transparency for which the MEDC acquired a reputation under … more

What Would it Mean to Unleash the MEDC?

Lawmakers should keep the state's administrators on a tight leash

… short-term thinking at its best, but it would be one way to unleash the MEDC. The state’s already doing some of that. Two programs passed last year … tested way to grow the economy and justify taxpayer costs. Unleashing the MEDC is not about creating a conducive business environment to foster broad-based … more

MEDC Programs Consistently Fall Short of Initial Claims

Michigan's 'corporate welfare' arm perpetually exaggerates its numbers

… investment, but the trend of failing to meet expectations exists instead. The MEDC oversees the 21st Century Jobs Fund. In a 2008 press release, then-Gov. … Jobs Fund programs. Other economic development programs overseen by the MEDC have not lived up to claims made by state officials. The Renewable Energy … more

A Plea for Skepticism about the MEDC: An Open Letter

Lawmakers should take a closer look at economic development programs

… exempt data in a way that make MEDC programs look more successful than they really are. The MEDC should not be allowed to hire … added.) In other words, the MEDC’s consultants eliminated from … sleight-of-hand exercise is not an MEDC one-off. The MEDC has hired consultants in the … more

Company Defaults on $300,000 From State For Project, Repays $45,827

MEDC had boasted grant proved ‘the success of our strategy’

… Southfield. In a contemporaneous report by Crain’s Detroit Business, then-MEDC CEO Michael Finney praised the grant to NEMO, and two other grants as well. … Southfield. The company did not respond to multiple requests for comment. MEDC spokesman Otie McKinley said, in response to an emailed request for explanation, … more

Giving Taxpayer Dollars to Some Corporations A Lucrative Business For These Nonprofits

The MEDC, the state’s corporate welfare agency, has local partners

… total revenue of $7.14 million that year. Quintin L. Messer, the CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, collects $287,000 annually. The MEDC is the state government agency that cooperates with local corporate subsidy agencies by helping steer state tax revenue to projects in their own region. … more

There Is No Good Reason the MEDC Should Exist

… and CEO (and current Chair of MEDC Executive Committee) of the … that exists (none from the MEDC) offers little evidence that … promises. Seen through this lens, MEDC operations make far more sense. … Here’s a taste: In this clip, MEDC Executive Committee member … Legislature should keep the MEDC and the Michigan Economic Growth … more

What Happens When the Michigan Economic Development Corporation Ends?

State could save millions by stopping ineffective subsidies

… development policies. The MEDC is an “interlocal agency,” … economic development programs, the MEDC ought to go away. There is … quasi-state agency do it. The MEDC is not a third party entity … have an agreement with the MEDC to delineate each party’s responsibilities. … economic development programs. The MEDC gets additional income from … more

MEDC Downplayed Pure Michigan Return On Investment Claims? Oh Really

Secretive numbers used in claims have headlined many tales told to reporters and lawmakers

… updated with a comment from the MEDC. David Lorenz is the Michigan … Michigan ads is used wisely. The MEDC recently ended its relationship … in 2010, Longwoods and the MEDC were claiming just an extra … catch: The company and the MEDC refuse to divulge the methods … Detroit Business article. The MEDC spokeswoman Michelle Grinnell … more

Politicians Want to Review State Agency that has 1 in 5 Jobs Track Record

… to favored businesses. Rep. Earl Poleski (R-Jackson) was asked about the MEDC and said, “I think we need to be looking at whether that model is working … far to get an answer. Michigan's auditor general issued a report on the MEDC’s 21st Century Jobs Fund program in September of 2013, finding only 19 percent … more

MEDC’s Pure Michigan Puffery: Part I

Agency claims about success deserve more scrutiny

… Lorenz, the vice president of the MEDC arm in charge of the subsidies … benefits of Pure Michigan, the MEDC is seeking to justify not only … The latest product from the MEDC’s vendor, Longwoods International, … reports are then used by the MEDC as evidence of its program’s … the implausibility of the MEDC’s claim was actually provided … more

MEDC Response

… Recycling a $5.1 million tax incentive for a 280,000 square foot facility in Sterling Heights that was projected to generate 396 jobs. Michael Shore, MEDC spokesman, provided this response in an e-mail: Thanks for the opportunity to address your concerns regarding the Michigan Economic Growth Authority … more

Corporate Subsidies Appear To Work Sometimes — Or Firm Was Coming Anyway

Firm got $130,000, not the $430,000 first offered, still built new plant

… list any repayments of the grant funds, either. An MEDC spokesman declined to provide additional information … defended the deal in a telephone interview. The MEDC’s assistance “was a success,” he said. “It helped … “This is actually a great success story. (The MEDC) has been really good to work with.” Some economists … more

Don't Extend Granholm's 'Blown Away' Program

Demand accountability instead

… grants and loans in 2007? After six years, the MEDC still does not report how much taxpayer money was … much does the state own and what is it worth? The MEDC has not reported on whether there have been any … simply gives the political appointees who run the MEDC's parent agency, the Michigan Strategic Fund, discretion … more

Failed Company Skipped On $2.1 Million State Loan, Wants More

Michigan corporate subsidy officials support extended benefits for firm’s successor

… Development Corporation. The MEDC, which runs the state’s business … Marquette-area employees in an email to MEDC officials in May 2018 that … RNFL to National Carbon, the MEDC documents show. MEDC spokesman Otie McKinley said … the first place, he said. MEDC “thinks they can pick winners … more