Editorial: Why did Apple pick N.C.? Investments, not tax cuts
Tuesday, May 4, 2021 -- Apple didn't come to North Carolina because of tax or regulatory cuts. It came because of over a half-century of focused expanding investment in key areas: top-notch public university system, establishing quality public schools; expanding early childhood education; infrastructure to move commerce and workforce development. North Carolina's past leaders, Republicans and Democrats, sought to excel in important things like establishing the innovative Microelectronics and Biotechnology centers.
Posted — UpdatedSo much for bottom of the pack.
Apple didn’t come to North Carolina because of tax or regulatory cuts. It came because of over a half-century of focused expanding investment in key areas: a top-notch public university system, establishing quality public schools; expanding early childhood education; infrastructure to move commerce and workforce development. North Carolina’s past leaders, Republicans and Democrats, sought to excel in important things like establishing the innovative Microelectronics and Biotechnology centers.
The legislature Berger leads today has neglected that kind of dedication to sustained investing in the state’s future. Otherwise it wouldn’t be ignoring the Leandro education roadmap, bond issues for roads, education and other infrastructure as well as expanding Medicaid.
North Carolina cannot afford to live off of a legacy that it does not continue to support. Failure to adequately invest jeopardizes the ability to attract new and expanding companies that spread jobs and opportunities to overlooked or missing out parts of the state.
If North Carolina aims to attract businesses that have plans for their future then the state must also demonstrate the same.
Legislative leaders need to take their finger off the PAUSE button and make the strategic investments beyond merely OK enough to get by. If North Carolina seeks to attract businesses that are focused on achieving excellence, it must also demonstrate the same.
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