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After months of stagnation, a partisan tie in the state House is ending and Democrats are returning to full power. But the state budget – and campaigning – will likely dominate lawmakers’ time.
Sweeping plans would revamp Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s signature business incentive program while creating tax breaks for higher-wage jobs and innovation.
What is middle class in Michigan or enough to live comfortably? Definitions vary, but are key to the state’s growth goals. Let Bridge know what you think.
Debate about corporate subsidies comes as business leaders, others sound alarms that wages in Michigan incomes aren’t keeping pace with the nation. They are calling for investments in education, high-tech jobs.
The push is on in Lansing to use incentives to lure tech jobs, as average incomes in Michigan fall behind and criticisms increase about using tax money to create low-wage work.
Gov. Whitmer says tax money funds ‘good-paying jobs.’ But details on wages from subsidies are often difficult to find, and a Bridge Michigan investigation reveals $228 million in subsidies in 2023 are for jobs that pay less than average.
Sponsors say a plan to let growing businesses capture payroll taxes would increase prosperity at a time when Michigan incomes are falling and some economists sound dire warning about the state’s future.
As it shifts to electric vehicles, the state’s auto industry faces threats from global competition, shifting political winds and changing subsidies, experts said Wednesday.
Henry Ford Health, Michigan State University and the Detroit Pistons are seeking $273 million in tax incentives largely to finance housing for the New Center development.
As mega-subsidies through Michigan’s SOAR Fund lose luster with both parties, Democrats propose adding more corporate accountability, oversight and community benefits to incentive deals.
Awarding taxpayer subsidies is ineffective at creating jobs, unfair to businesses that don’t get them and expensive to governments. Worse still, those receiving them need not demonstrate subsidy programs actually work.
The Michigan Strategic Fund’s 9-1 vote came after more than two hours of public comment on the proposal and several other agenda items before the board.
The state is offering the automaker over $1 billion in funding as Ford plans a $3.5 billion investment in an electric vehicle battery factory about 20 miles east of Battle Creek.
District Detroit is seeking $800 million worth of public subsidies. Billionaires like Ilitch Holdings and Stephan Ross shouldn’t be receiving corporate welfare tax abatements from one of the most impoverished U.S. cities.
Gotion Inc. plans to break ground this summer, but questions persist about its corporate ties to the Chinese Communist Party and whether the deal presents U.S. security risks. Gotion announced plans last year to build a $2.36 billion factory in Michigan.