As Governor, Mike Cox will require a thorough review of all Michigan tax credits by examining application requirements, including benchmarks to evaluate effectiveness, and identifying problems with oversight. Based upon that philosophy, Cox will demand accountability and proven effectiveness for any credit granted. For future credits, Mike Cox will broaden the application of the incentive and simplify the process to avoid the current environment where companies have to hire an outside consultant to help them understand if they qualify.

Mike Cox understands the best "tax credit" is a low rate for every business. Mike Cox will work to lower the tax rates on job providers and taxpayers, and create an environment where businesses and families can thrive.

One criticism of Michigan's system of tax credits is that the approach is too scattered, with requirements for credits that are difficult to understand and comply with. As a May 2009 study by the Anderson Economic Group for the Michigan Education Association pointed out, Michigan does not properly inventory or measure the effectiveness of the MEGA and other tax credits it grants to businesses. The credits are frequently targeted at narrow industries and are designed to pick winners. Mike Cox will change this system to simplify and broaden tax credits to ensure maximum benefits.