New Mexico Industrial Subsidies- Renewables, Movies, & More! (health insurance, mortgage)

[Zoidberg]

Since the conversations always seem to shift from one set of industries to another, I thought it'd be a good idea to start a thread where you can't get too off-topic.

So, are all business incentives bad, or are some business incentives good?

My position is that if the incentive has a reasonable likelihood of a net positive result on tax receipts and creates jobs that pay higher than the median, it's a worthwhile thing for the government to do.

Not sure I've decided on sub-median jobs; if it lowers unemployment filings and net positives the tax receipts, that's still a powerful thing.

Opinions are good, but opinions with numerical justifications are much better.

[GregW]

After I retire from this job and consider moving to New Mexico I will look into any business help I can get. I would like to set up a business developing, building, installing and maintaining small business or household size co-generation units based on very reliable old technology diesel engines. These units would provide electricity, heat and mechanical AC. They could be fueled with petroleum diesel oil, bio diesel, straight fresh or recycled vegetable oil.

With my pension providing enough income to live well enough I would be able to invest some of my own money along with others to start and operated the business without having to pay myself until it grew big enough to afford my salary. Having to take enough money from my last business to pay the mortgage and health insurance as well as changes in Federal subsidies forced the closure of my last attempt at self unemployment.

[mortimer]

You can fix anything - right? You were a squid as I recall (???)

I have a friend who used to work in the contruction industry and
can basically frame, cut, shape wood every which way.

He just works 30-35 hours or whatever he wants and lets someone
else run the business while my friend freelances.

Once you get here ( IF YOU EVER DO - New Hampshire boy ), as
long as you don't depend on that money to live, I'll bet you can
make it helping out on ranches, mines, small businesses around
the area - maybe even at the observatory.

After a few years, you'll probably be turning away business so
you can spend more time exploring stuff around here.

( Your posts will be more interesting since you won't keep
starting or finishing your posts with "once I get there ... " )

[rruff]

Originally Posted by Zoidberg

My position is that if the incentive has a reasonable likelihood of a net positive result on tax receipts and creates jobs that pay higher than the median, it's a worthwhile thing for the government to do.

Not sure I've decided on sub-median jobs; if it lowers unemployment filings and net positives the tax receipts, that's still a powerful thing.

IMO the state government's job is to provide the oversight, law enforcement, and public services necessary to make this a good place to live. It isn't to "generate revenue" or "attract business".

You don't reduce unemployment in any semi-permanent way by "creating jobs" because last time I checked people could easily move to wherever they wanted in the US... and NM is a desirable place to live anyway. So if more businesses move here, then more than enough people will as well, to put your unemployment back where it was or even worse.

Unemployment is reduced by minimizing cyclical business fluctuations. So if you create jobs that go boom and then bust, you will certainly make the unemployment worse in the future.

And we sure as hell do not need a bunch of low paying jobs! The only way would could attract those is by being the low bidder in the US. Since much of the country is already sliding into 3rd world status, I'd hate to see NM leading the charge on that.

Do you have a bunch of land holdings or other investments that you are hoping to see appreciate? Who actually benefits from high growth? I can't see that I would in the slightest. Just the opposite... more traffic, congestion, higher RE prices, etc.

I do not wish to see NM emulate AZ or NV or CA or... it's going to grow plenty fast as it is...

[mortimer]

Originally Posted by rruff

... government's job ... make this a good place to live.
It isn't to "generate revenue" or "attract business".

What he said.

( Kinda what I said earlier. )

Originally Posted by rruff

... I do not wish to see NM emulate AZ or NV
or CA or... it's going to grow plenty fast as it is...

What he said again.

[GregW]

I am actually planning on starting in New Hampshire and once it is running turning it over to a friend and starting another in NM. Another two years left on the mortgage.

Good call on the "squid". I was a Machine Repairman (MR-4) and can still make just about anything in metal even if the correct tools are not available.