Scott Hamilton of Leeham News and Analysis wrote last week about Boeing’s decision to move 787 production to South Carolina, and about the company’s recent history in Washington. Hamilton particularly points out the odd response from some that this decision should trigger a review of the company’s tax treatment. He also argues that the state should now be “preparing for the future” and focusing “on how Washington State can win the Next Boeing Airplanes.”

As we’ve written, tax preferences help keep Boeing’s Washington taxes in line with what they would be elsewhere. This makes Washington more competitive for Boeing jobs. If we want future airplanes to be built here, increasing taxes for the industry would be counterproductive.