Governor Pat McCrory and Senate Leader Phil Berger expect debate on an economic development measure this month. The powerful Republicans had lunch together Tuesday, and hours later spoke at an NC Chamber event in Raleigh.
McCrory said he “expects action and debate in the next two weeks and I think that’s very good news.”
The news came a day after Volvo announced plans to bring at least 2,000 jobs to a car manufacturing site outside of Charleston, South Carolina. That facility will cost an estimated $500 million and the company is set to receive at least $150 million in economic incentives from the state.
Following the announcement, some policymakers renewed their support for grants and incentives, as a tool to help lure new jobs to North Carolina.
“I would expect that we would extend the J-DIG program, we will see a balance with some modifications as far as the tax schedules in North Carolina are concerned,” said senate leader Phil Berger.
This marks the first time Berger has acknowledged plans to extend the Job Development Investment Grant, or J-DIG program. It is set to expire at the end of the year and has had limited support in the Senate. The details of this economic proposal are still being finalized.
