There's no reason for Utah to bribe the Walt Disney Company to make the second sequel to a movie here. In fact, there's no reason for government giveaways to any company.

The first two versions of "High School Musical" were filmed at East High School in Salt Lake City. The project received government subsidies of $263,000 and $500,000, respectively, in the shape of 15 percent rebates on what the movie company spent in the state.

The Governor's Office of Economic Development has approved a maximum of $2 million to do the same for "High School Musical 3." Of the three films it will be the most expensive, thus the most subsidized -- and the least deserving of Utah tax money.

"High School Musical" first appeared on the Disney Channel less than two years ago. It's been viewed by at least 170 million people all over the world. The CD was the biggest seller of 2006, with 6.5 million DVDs sold. Some 4.5 million people purchased books based on the series. A road show sold out in 42 cities. School and community groups still produce the show.

Made for $4.2 million, "Musical" brought in at least $500 million to Disney, with a $100 million of that as profit. And that was just the start.

"High School Musical 2" made its debut in August. It was the most-watched basic cable television program of all time. It, too, will generate money from a host of spin-offs, and stores will soon see a deluge of more than 300 licensed products.

The "High School Musical" franchise likely will earn billions for Disney, and that's why the entertainment giant doesn't need the latest Utah subsidy. In the Disney corporate budget now, $2 million probably isn't enough to pay for the accountants' hairstylists.

According to Fortune magazine, Disney most recently reported $34 billion in revenue, with more than $3 billion in profit. Subsidizing it is like giving money to DuPont, Motorola or Caterpillar, all of which reported similar profits.

The positive effect of "Musical" in Utah won't last long. In June, the Disney crews will pack up and go, which means that this handout doesn't even have the bad excuse of "creating jobs." Utah's economy has already been red hot. Yes, it's slowing slightly, but only down to yellow-hot. There's no need to try to create jobs, as if government could anyway.

Sometimes subsidy advocates claim that film projects showcase a state to businesses. But while East High is a fine school, it's doubtful many people will move here just to walk its hallowed halls. And most fans of "High School Musical" are pre-teenagers. We doubt many of them are likely to move their businesses to Utah.

If Disney threatened to go elsewhere to film "Musical 3," it was bluffing. The entertainment giant doesn't want to mess up by tinkering with anything in this lucrative formula. Viewers will expect to see good old East High, and Disney would be foolish to give them anything else.

The government subsidy for "High School Musical" is an egregious example of a phenomenon that seems to be getting more common. In the most recent deal, Barnes Bullets of Lindon will receive a $200,000 state assistance grant. Supposedly the funding will help produce 42 new jobs. One question: Wouldn't the company grow if it didn't have state moneyfi Of course it would. If the market will support growth, and the company is competent, it will prosper. Government handouts can't change that fact of business life.

Once lawmakers start doling out "development" subsidies, they'll find it hard to stop. Soon they're neglecting roads and bridges in their lust for glamorous projects to fund, or perceived threats to buy off. Often, the government picks losers, further distorting the economy. Like cheesy movies, government giveaways always lead to too many sequels. We strongly urge state government to yell "Cut!" and end these handouts for good.

Do you agree?