Politicians and business leaders are shouting “Make It In Michigan!” to go along with the aptly named program that’s supposed to bring industry to our state. However, critics say the program’s about as helpful as a screen door on a submarine. They've got good reasons to be skeptical, too. Let's see what's been happening!
Here are Five Fast Facts on Michigan struggling to...well, make it:
- 0️⃣ Zero Jobs - Michigan has dumped $720 million taxpayer dollars into attracting companies since 2023 - but guess how many jobs were created with that money? ***Cue crickets*** That’s right, zero. Critics think that money would’ve bought a lot more school supplies or roads.
- 🤦 Double Down - Governor Whitmer and some lawmakers are taking that smashing "success" and insisting on keeping the program. In fact, they'd like to dump billions more into it! You know, because it's worked so well so far.
- 🏃 Job Growth Is Meh - Michigan only added 92,000 jobs (2.1%) overall, ranking 33rd among states. That’s like finishing at the back of the pack in a 50-person race - but you still get a participation medal.
- 😩 Big Numbers Struggling - Around 41% of Michigan households are labeled ALICE - Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed - meaning they earn above poverty level but still can’t keep up.
- 😣 No Right Answer - These families face brutal decisions - pay for medicine or fuel the car? Eat dinner or fix the broken heater? Welcome to the adult version of “eat my vegetables or no TV.”
🔥Bottom line: So here’s the Michigan twist: pouring millions into flashy programs that don’t make jobs? Not ideal. Michigan’s slogan might need a tweak: “Only some people make it in Michigan (probably not you)...” Who says adulthood isn’t fun?
Are you making it in Michigan?
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