Michigan spent $1.8B and only created 602 jobs
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Michigan spent $1.8 billion in incentives but created only 602 jobs.
A report finds Michigan spent $1.8 billion of $2.7 billion offered in incentives, resulting in just 602 jobs. Most money went to large public automakers, including $780 million on site preparation for a Ford project that has yet to create any jobs. Critics call the spending corporate welfare and corruption.
What commenters are saying
Commenters are outraged, calling the spending straight corruption and corporate welfare. One calculates the cost at $2.5 million per job. Several note such programs consistently fail, suggesting the real purpose is campaign contributions and kickbacks. A few propose alternatives like direct apprenticeship funding, tax cuts, or competitive small business grants. Some question whether the money even reached new jobs versus enriching executives and shareholders via stock and pensions. A comment cites a study on Trump-era washing machine tariffs that created jobs costing $820,000 each through higher consumer prices while boosting corporate profits.