It's not the 800 but the other things that those 800 bring and represent.
What do you propose to do? Forbid them from moving to MA, forbid MA from attracting employers? Maybe just allow them to move to Geneva or Dublin.
What do you propose to do? Forbid them from moving to MA, forbid MA from attracting employers? Maybe just allow them to move to Geneva or Dublin.
If the company wants to move to a location (or stay at one) to be there, fine; but it shouldn't move (or stay) because that location gave it the best bribe.
I think governments should be able to make a calculus as to whether something like this will benefit their constituency.
This is not PR or high profile loss leader or trophy white elephant or other gimmick like the olympics or new stadiums. This is a bet on the company improving the local economy attracting other employers, competitors, increasing competition for employees, etc.
If I lived in MA I'd be all for this, just like SF bet on twitter reviving mid-Markt street --which it has.
That's $181,250 per employee in tax-benefits. I'd be interested to hear what you think those 800 people "bring and represent" other than another screwing of tax-payers for the benefit of corporations.
And this is just after 3 seconds thought. Another 3 seconds will likely reveal more.