Greg LeRoy, Executive Director of Good Jobs First, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the impact of corporate subsidies, the financial burden of data centers and the role its Violation Tracker can play in holding companies accountable.
LeRoy explained that corporate subsidies often result in taxpayers funding wealthy corporations, with companies like Amazon and Google receiving millions per job created. He emphasized that these subsidies rarely provide a return on investment for taxpayers, as the cost per job can reach astronomical figures, making it impossible for communities to break even. This practice, he noted, is a significant drain on public resources that could be better allocated elsewhere.
Next, LeRoy discussed the financial implications of data centers. He pointed out that data centers, while capital-intensive, employ very few people, leading to a high cost per job. He revealed that states like Texas and Virginia are losing hundreds of millions annually due to tax exemptions for these centers. This trend, he warned, could lead to budget shortfalls, especially as federal funding decreases, putting additional pressure on state and local budgets.
Finally, LeRoy discussed the role of their Violation Tracker, a tool that aggregates data on corporate misconduct. The database is used to identify and penalize companies that engage in illegal activities, such as wage theft and discrimination, he said. LeRoy stressed the importance of transparency and accountability, urging more organizations to adopt similar measures to protect public interests.
Listen to the full episode above to hear more from LeRoy.