Today’s Fayetteville Observer includes my article on the faulty methodology used by our state’s Dep’t of Commerce to tout “new job creation” resulting from corporate welfare programs. A sample:
As Jane rejoices over the potential to return to work, she quietly says, “Thank goodness for that economic incentives program. Finally, some real opportunities for a job!”
A month later, there is a big ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new headquarters. Company executives, local politicians and the governor are all in attendance. The gathered crowd – including a lot of media – are treated to big smiles and self-congratulatory speeches about how the new headquarters has “created hundreds of new jobs” for the struggling town.
As Jane approaches the shiny office building, she can hear the cheers of excitement from the crowd. But the cheers then fade away as Jane drives past the joyful ceremony to … the unemployment office once again.
Indeed, the line there seems as long as it’s ever been. How can this be? What about those hundreds of jobs “created”?
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