Fiddling while Pennsylvania bleeds

Brian O’Neill has an outstanding column in the Post-Gazette questioning the efficacy of “economic development” subsidies (corporate welfare) during a state budget crunch – or any time, really.

The real gem is this:

“The governor believes that investing in programs that attract more development is always wise,” Mr. Ardo said.

I thought the two multimillion-dollar stadia and the multimillion-dollar light-rail extension were supposed to be the catalysts. I guess that’s always been the trouble with government catalysts. Ya gotta keep catalyzing ’em.

Exactly right: Pennsylvania has long been among the leaders in “economic development” spending, but among the laggards in economic growth.