My take-away from the discussion over the Carrier deal in Indiana is influenced by what has occurred over the last decade plus with these types of negotiated agreements here in Texas.
When tax dollars are used to purchase real estate for, fund operations of, or make cash payments to, private businesses in order to essentially bribe them to come to, or remain in, a particular area, the government has moved beyond its proper role and will be prone to corruption.
BUT
I can see where state and local tax abatement offers, alone, to private businesses, could be very positive, and can lead to more competition among local and state entities over which will have the lowest tax rates, as long as they 1) lower taxes 2) have zero negative impact on the general tax payer 3) do not involve payments of any kind 4) are not influenced by the federal government.
