The bill, which offered up to $40 million in incentives, would provide a powerful tool to help communities keep high-wage jobs, said Gary Cooper, interim president of the Business Council.
Cooper signed a two-page letter sent Sept. 5 to every House and Senate member. The General Assembly is considering whether to call a special session to override Easley’s veto.
A study commissioned by the Business Council several years ago showed that tire manufacturing plants have a significant effect on a local economy. The study showed that a plant the size of Goodyear’s Fayetteville plant helps create 4,000 jobs in addition to its work force, with an economic effect of about $1 billion annually.
City and county tax revenues from a Goodyear-sized plant exceed $42 million, and $100 million to the state.
The letter to legislators said the loss of Goodyear would be devastating, since wages for the 2,750 workers total $142 million. The company provides health care benefits to about 5,700 workers and their dependents. In 2006, the plant purchased more than $34 million in goods and services locally, the letter said.
Easley vetoed the bill, saying he could not support incentives that would allow Goodyear to reduce its work force. Critics say the bill set a dangerous precedent by giving public money to companies that don’t create jobs.
The bill, crafted by Cumberland County legislators, would provide $4 million annually for 10 years if the company kept 2,000 workers on its rolls and pledged at least $200 million in plant upgrades.
