Making the most of Intel for everyone
Posted March 16, 2022 in Press Releases
General Assembly can ensure that aid to corporation benefits all Ohioans
The DeWine administration has promised nearly $2 billion in public funds to back Intel Corporation’s major investment in new semiconductor production facilities. That largesse must be accompanied by measures to maximize the benefits for all Ohioans, Policy Matters Ohio outlined in a report issued today.
“Ohioans should be the chief beneficiaries of the jobs Intel creates, and the corporation should make a targeted effort to hire those who are often excluded due to their race, gender or income level,” said Policy Matters research director and report author Zach Schiller. “Those are just two ways that this huge aid package, the largest economic development deal in Ohio history, should be written so that it creates prosperity and expands opportunity for everyday Ohioans.”
The report describes a number of requirements the General Assembly should adopt. It should make certain that:
- At least 80% of all the Intel jobs go to Ohioans.
- Intel reports annually on key measures, including full- and part-time jobs created, the demographics of its Ohio workforce, wages and benefits paid, capital invested, and others.
- All Ohio employees are paid family-sustaining wages and benefits.
- Intel meets its own corporate diversity goals, makes specific commitments to hire people of color in line with the demographics of the Columbus metropolitan area, and engages in targeted hiring of people from high-poverty census tracts in Ohio.
- The company is in compliance with all federal, state and local laws.
- Intel will repay monies received if it does not make good on its promises or is not in compliance with such laws.
- A meaningful, robust process is created for including the public so that community benefits from this huge public expenditure are maximized. This includes taking into account its effects on schools, housing, transportation and the environment, among other things. Legislation should include a specific program for monitoring the impacts of the development.
- Intel, which has pledged $100 million over 10 years to help colleges and universities develop curricula and the like, should be asked how it will support K-12 schools as well.
“Similar requirements, and more, have been enforced at big developments across the country receiving major public support like Intel has been promised in Ohio,” Schiller said. “Governor DeWine and the General Assembly must step forward to include measures to protect the state and its residents, and to ensure that the benefits flow to all Ohioans.”