For about a month now the State of New York has been running this ad as a way to attract new business to different parts of the state. I am sure this is part politics and part economics. I am also sure that in those targeted areas good paying jobs are desperately needed. And, I have to trust that the economists have done the math so that economic impact of additional jobs will balance out the impact of the tax free zones and no taxes for 10 years.
But seeing the ad, again, as I watched TV last night I had to wonder.
What if instead of promoting tax free zones and no taxes for 10 years what if we were able to say this with pride and in all honesty.
Start your company or business in New York.
Why?
We have the best public schools in the country.
We have the most modern and up-to-date transportation system that can connect your business not only to the rest of the country, but to the entire world.
We have updated all our infrastructure in order to provide the best possible service for your company or business.
We have an educated and trained work force ready to make your company profitable.
I am not a business person, but I understand enough to know that the bottom line has to work for a company or business to grow and to be profitable. But, if we don’t also have all those other things as well…
Quality, well funded education.
Strong infrastructure.
An educated and skilled work force.
A transportation system which works.
All the tax breaks in the world won’t matter or make a difference.