Could NC’s Economy Grow Without Handouts to Cronies?

The N&O today published my article describing what I’d like to see in a special session in Raleigh to address economic incentives. A sample:

Imagine with me for a moment what would happen if Gov. Pat McCrory’s office and state legislative leaders released the following joint statement regarding a special session to address economic development in North Carolina:

First, we recognize that government handouts to specific corporations are simply wrong. It is inappropriate and unacceptable for the government to use its force to coerce tax dollars from hard-working citizens only to dole those tax dollars out to politically favored companies that have the most lobbyists roaming the halls of the legislature. Not only does this provide an unfair competitive advantage to the subsidized companies, forcing other companies to downsize or go out of business, it also invites a culture of political corruption with corporations jockeying for a spot at the taxpayer trough. In this special session, we will introduce legislation to eliminate all government subsidy programs that involve taxpayer dollars being given to companies.

You can also read the article at the Civitas website.