To the Reader’s Forum:

A new analysis by the state of Wisconsin reveals that the highly touted deal for the Foxconn manufacturing facility, that was so eagerly sought by Oneida County, would create fewer jobs than announced.

One government analysis showed the state might not break even on the deal until 2042, and a more recent analysis shows the Foxconn project might create around 4,000 fewer jobs than initial company projections showed. Foxconn has a history of not delivering on promises.

The $3 billion in subsidies over 15 years amounts to $15,000 to $19,000 per job annually but only if the higher of the ‘between 3,000 and 13,000 job total is actually achieved. If a lower number of jobs are created the state subsidy could rise to $66,000 per job each and every year for the next 15 years. That $3 billion is only what the state has committed to give away, Governor Walker expects local governments to provide property tax abatement which could add another $2 billion to the deal according to the Milwaukee Sentinel Journal.

Whatever happened to ‘free enterprise?’

Tom Meara

Jamestown