I’m not sure its “free market” if a state is offering them many millions in corporate welfare to attract them.
Most counties offer tax breaks to get companies to relocate here. In the long run it makes sense for the county and even the state. They get a manufacturing company and payroll going to boost the economy. In the short run for the corp it helps them to offset relocation cost and start up cost. The breaks in general are no more than 10 years usually less depending on how much the county itself has vested into it via upgrades to required utilities, roads, etc.
In 1982 Tennessee hit rock bottom in the recession. This time around jobs are still to be had here that pay decent. We have no state income tax and intent to keep it that way, we're a right to work state meaning no union involuntary dues, and we now have a two state house GOP majority for the first time in many decades. Many if not most deals are the end result of a county Commission sponsored recruitment of a corporation into an area needing jobs.
Tax relief does not equal “welfare,” unless you’re a commie.
“I’m not sure its “free market” if a state is offering them many millions in corporate welfare to attract them.”
It’s moving in fees, and an investment into long-term returns on jobs and taxes. States compete too and they’d be nuts not to accept.