Leading the Way in Economic Development
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One of the most important responsibilities of a governor is stewardship of a state’s economy. America’s Democratic governors have led their states to sustainable economic growth through a host of programs and initiatives designed to make state government work more efficiently and allow small and large businesses alike to prosper.
When over half of the Democratic governors were first elected in 2002, the states were in a period of budget crisis. Most states had record deficits and their economies were suffering. Democratic governors balanced their budgets, in most cases without raising taxes or cutting healthcare and education, and forged a path to prosperity that included pioneering public-private partnerships, state-government business development offices, and tax incentives to bring jobs to the states.
Almost every Democratic governor has developed public-private partnerships to allow government to be a catalyst for businesses of all sizes. For example, the Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) program, proposed by North Carolina Gov. Mike Easley in 2002, awards up to 25 grants annually to new and existing businesses that would not otherwise locate in North Carolina. Since the first award in May 2003, 32 grants have been awarded, more than 11,368 new jobs have been created and $2.13 billion in additional investment has been made across the state.
Multiple states have successfully brought a little bit of Hollywood to their borders by cultivating the film industry – and all its ancillary economic benefits. New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer and North Carolina Gov. Easley have all supported expanding the industry in their states. Other governors have developed specific programs for rural economic development, and are advancing ambitious economic development plans around renewable energy. Governors have also developed specialized “Jobs Cabinets” to work together to create jobs in their states. Tennessee’s Jobs Cabinet, formed by Gov. Phil Bredesen, is a twelve-member body consisting of commissioners from seven state departments plus representatives from higher education and business trade groups, who work together to help create and bring new jobs to Tennessee.
Finally, Democratic governors have saved money from their budgets by increasing efficiency in government. Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius consolidated several departments to create a unified market driven workforce development system. Governors also reduced the state workforce to streamline government, including Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich and Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle.
While Democratic Governors have stepped up to spur the economies in their states, they have lacked a reliable federal partner in the Bush administration. The Democratic governors therefore introduced the “America Competes” plan, which would redirect state and federal monies into new investments in alternative energy sources, innovative education programs, improved healthcare, and smarter trade policies, without raising taxes. It is a realistic and fiscally responsible plan that will create long-term economic growth.
Click here to read the entire report »
One of the most important responsibilities of a governor is stewardship of a state’s economy. America’s Democratic governors have led their states to sustainable economic growth through a host of programs and initiatives designed to make state government work more efficiently and allow small and large businesses alike to prosper.
