Dr. Martin Wing

For two decades, governments around the country have been experimenting with so-called "enterprise zones," government-selected areas or projects that are singled out for special tax breaks and reductions. Michigan state government has selected 24 such areas, known as "renaissance zones." But if tax relief can boost economic development for a targeted area, why not lower taxes across the board for all areas of the state?

Michigan has seen stellar economic progress due to Governor Engler's free-market reforms. Is MEGA a reversal of the trend? Should government pick the winners and the losers? This report analyzes proposed MEGA legislation. 16 pages.