Whitmer’s Corporate Welfare Program Falls Short for Fourth Consecutive Year
- April 10, 2026
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SOAR program spent $1.7 billion in 2025 while only adding 1,846 jobs
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s signature economic program has overspent and underdelivered for the fourth year in a row, according to a report submitted to the state of Michigan.
The report, which was released last month, found that the SOAR program has spent $1.74 billion to create only 1,846 jobs. The program was earmarked $2.4 billion and has only produced 13% of the jobs promised for its large price tag.
While the program is still far under its target for jobs created, 2025 was the first time it produced any jobs at all since its creation in 2022.
The program originally passed with some bipartisan support, but as of 2025, even many Democratic legislators bailed on the project as it was defunded in the most recent budget.
“Large checks are not necessarily going to fix everything,” Rep. Jasper Martus, D-Flushing, said of how views on economic development policy have evolved since the passage of SOAR legislation.
Some Democratic Representatives went as far as to say that they were ‘glad’ the program is dead.
“I’m very happy that SOAR is dead,” state Rep. Dylan Wegela, D-Garden City, a progressive legislator told Bridge on Friday. “SOAR hasn’t worked.”
While the program is expected to produce some of the remaining jobs promised before disbanding, for some projects, such as the now infamous Gotion battery plan, the state has already been left holding the bag for tens of millions in funds.
After earmarking $175 million for the Gotion battery plant through the SOAR program, the company went in to default and the state is now trying to recover tens of millions in already disbursed funds.
While the SOAR program’s future is uncertain, Michigan Economic Development Corporation spokesperson Danielle Emerson remains confident that it can produce more jobs for Michiganders.
“We have every confidence it will continue to happen,” Emerson told Bridge Michigan. “These are good-paying jobs with important economic impacts to the communities they are in.”
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