Pa.’s corporate welfare for select businesses keeps the state down

Originally published in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Just before the end of the legislative season, Pennsylvania lawmakers passed a package of tax credits that will, over time, dole out $2 billion in corporate welfare to select businesses.

Favoring politically connected corporations and industries at the expense of broader tax reform isn’t new. For years, Pennsylvania has led the nation in corporate welfare, even though these handouts have done little to improve the state’s economy or business climate.

Pennsylvania businesses face real challenges — including an unfriendly business climate, excessive regulatory red tape, inability to get permits and timely approval from state agencies, and hostile labor laws. Yet, instead of fixing the structural problems that inhibit economic development and business growth, Pennsylvania politicians have consistently tried to patch things over with tax breaks, taxpayer-funded handouts, and other gifts to select corporations.

Read more at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette