Quote:
Originally Posted by d-ray657
Wouldn't one answer be that, as you mentioned, the tax abatements are carefully targeted to areas where there otherwise would not be investment. It is presumed that there are plenty of areas where the infrastructure and other market conditions make investment a reasonable business proposition without a subsidy. Bottom line is that we really can't afford to subsidize business across the board, any more than we already do with the investment in infrastructure, police and fire protection, and education.
Regards,
D-Ray
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How is it a subsidy, rather than reducing the cost of capital and the cost of engaging in business activity? And if that reduction in cost results in an increase in GDP and in increase in employment (and a resulting increase in payroll tax revenue) doesn't that make the exercise pay for itself?
On the contrary, of what economic value - and what economic benefits are generated - value are all of the empty or half empty buildings, all of the idle production equipment, and all of the idle workers? The "For Lease" signs represent an economic cost all by themselves.