Alabama Today: Justin Bogie: Lower taxes, better education are keys to attracting business to Alabama, not incentives
The Alabama Jobs Act gives select companies a total of $350 million per year in subsidies. As it sets to expire in July 2023, a chorus of proponents, led by state Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield, argues the program should not only continued – it should be expanded.
This, without any evidence it has worked to create jobs or boost the prosperity of historically neglected communities.
Justin Bogie of the Alabama Policy Center argues the state would be better off supporting the businesses it already has, and helping ensure Alabama creates a well-educated future workforce. It cites research by Good Jobs First, Mercatus Center, and Brookings Institution that suggest economic development subsidies do not work.
Read the full Op-Ed.