Government Press Release Journalism

Below is the text of a press release issued by the Michigan Economic Development Corp. following the monthly meeting of its Michigan Economic Growth Authority board at which a number of tax breaks/subsidies were granted to "winner" companies selected by bureaucrats and political appointees. Gov. Granholm attended the board meeting.

Underneath the press release are the main portions of reports about the event contained in several major Michigan newspapers and chains. Two of these reports include laudatory remarks by Gov. Granholm not contained in the press release, as noted. The others repeat the release verbatim, with minor edits for length, as noted.

Importantly, none of the stories include any suggestion that these tax breaks and subsidies will not accomplish what the government spokespersons claim, or any references or quotes from Michigan experts outside of government who are well known for having produced evidence that the "jobs" claims are specious.

August 17 MEDC Press Release

LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced that the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) is helping nine companies grow in Michigan and backing two brownfield redevelopment projects. Combined, the 11 projects are expected to create and retain 2,739 jobs (1,085 direct new jobs) and generate $89.4 million in new investment in the state.

"Our strategy to diversify and grow Michigan's economy continues to produce results for Michigan workers," Granholm said. "The range of companies investing and creating jobs in the state demonstrates that we have the competitive business climate and highly skilled workforce companies are looking for as they compete in the global economy."

The Michigan Economic Growth Authority (MEGA) board today approved incentives to win the following projects for Michigan over competing states and countries:

List of firms receiving tax/subsidy favors, including amounts and companies promises.

"Our innovative economic development toolbox and competitive business climate continue to draw jobs and investment to Michigan despite tough international competition," MEDC President and CEO Greg Main said.

As reported in a major statewide newspaper chain's website:

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced that the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) is helping nine companies grow in Michigan and backing two brownfield redevelopment projects. 

The 11 projects are expected to create and retain 2,739 jobs including 1,085 direct new jobs, and generate $89.4 million in new investment in the state.

"Our strategy to diversify and grow Michigan's economy continues to produce results for Michigan workers," Granholm said in a statement. "The range of companies investing and creating jobs in the state demonstrates that we have the competitive business climate and highly skilled workforce companies are looking for as they compete in the global economy."

"Our innovative economic development toolbox and competitive business climate continue to draw jobs and investment to Michigan despite tough international competition," MEDC President and CEO Greg Main said.

List of firms receiving tax/subsidy favors, including amounts and companies promises - some details from MDEC press release deleted.

As reported in the lead paper of one of Michigan's wealthiest counties:

LANSING - Gov. Jennifer Granholm announced Tuesday the Michigan Economic Development Corp. is providing incentives to four (county) companies.

Tax credits went to two (city) companies and one each in (city) and (city).

The Michigan Economic Growth Authority board approved incentives to win the following projects for Michigan over competing states and countries:

List of firms in the county receiving tax/subsidy favors, with details copied verbatim from MDEC press release.

"Our strategy to diversify and grow Michigan's economy continues to produce results for Michigan workers," Granholm said. "The range of companies investing and creating jobs in the state demonstrates that we have the competitive business climate and highly skilled workforce companies are looking for as they compete in the global economy."

As reported in one of Michigan's largest newspapers:

Lansing -- The Michigan Economic Growth Authority board Tuesday approved millions of dollars in tax credits for company expansions and brownfield redevelopments expected to create 1,085 jobs.

Combined, the 11 projects are expected to create and retain 2,739 jobs and generate $89.4 million in new investment in Michigan, Gov. Jennifer Granholm said.

(Laudatory remarks from Gov. Granholm speaking at the Lansing MEDC meeting where the tax breaks/subsidies were announced - this quote was not in the MEDC press release and so was presumably written down by an actual reporter.) 

List of local firms receiving tax/subsidy favors, including amounts and companies promises - some details from MDEC press release deleted.

As reported in another one of Michigan's largest daily newspapers:

State tax credits for 11 business projects -- six in (named) counties -- with a combined $114 million in new investments were approved Tuesday by the Michigan Economic Growth Authority (MEGA).

About $18.4 million in tax abatements were given by the state. The projects include the relocation of manufacturing operations from Southeast Asia and Germany, according to company officials.

The projects will generate 1,258 jobs at the companies and 1,650 indirect jobs as a result of increased economic activity, state analysts estimate.

(Laudatory remarks from Gov. Granholm speaking at the Lansing MEDC meeting where the tax breaks/subsidies were announced - this quote was not in the MEDC press release and so was presumably written down by an actual reporter.) 

List of local firms receiving tax/subsidy favors, including amounts and companies promises - some details from MDEC press release deleted.

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