Scott Walker, the Republican governor facing a recall vote in Wisconsin, traveled over the Illinois line to argue that the tax increase backed by his Democratic counterpart Pat Quinn is killing jobs even as the Midwest rebounds from recession. “Is it any wonder because of choices that were made right here in the state’s capital?” Walker, 44, said in an April 17 speech in Springfield. “When you raise taxes on businesses, that wealth and opportunity and those jobs more often than not go somewhere else.”This was another hobby horse of our lean consultant the other week. His political views tend to dampen my enthusiasm for other ideas he presents. I try to keep an open mind, because a good idea is a good idea, but when one person has so many questionable beliefs, you have to wonder how good those "good ideas" really are.
A broader snapshot tells a different tale. Illinois ranked third while Wisconsin placed 42nd in the most recent Bloomberg Economic Evaluation of States index, which includes personal income, tax revenue and employment. Illinois gained 32,000 jobs in the 12 months ending in February, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics found. Wisconsin, where Walker promised to create 250,000 jobs with the help of business-tax breaks, lost 16,900.
For Republicans, Illinois is the Nancy Pelosi of U.S. states -- like the former House speaker, a favorite target of ridicule when arguing Democrats stifle growth. The state has $8 billion in unpaid bills and $80 billion in unfunded pension liabilities.
Quinn was ready for the cross-border critique from Wisconsin, whose state’s employment fell more than any other. Quinn scheduled a news conference less than hour after Walker spoke to announce that LaFarge SA (LG), the Paris-based building materials maker, would move its North American headquarters to Illinois.
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Republican Talking Points Versus Reality
Bloomberg, via nc links:
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You might want to start listening to your lean consultant. He is clearly looking at the big picture. LaFarge is already in the area and is only looking to create 90 jobs after over $6M in states fund to get them there (oh well, what’s another $6M when you already have $8B you can’t pay; that is how liberal wack jobs roll). They are not even new jobs. They are just stupid transfers. Conversely, Caterpillar not only sent a letter to the Governor telling them they were considering moving their headquarters but passed on Illinois for a new plant that created 1400 net new jobs. Let’s see. . . . what makes more sense? LaFarge or Caterpillar? Wow, that is one tough question to answer. Dude, get the liberal blinders off and come back to reality.
ReplyDeleteI'm not listening to anyone who thinks taxes are the main consideration for where to locate a facility. As for money, Sears decided to stay in Illinois for $150 million, turning down a $400 million deal from Ohio. Big deal, we all have anecdotes. Most threatened business moves are to extort money out of the state you are already in.
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