LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – While Gov. Whitmer jetted off to Europe this week and to attend the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, the Michigan House Freedom Caucus Leadership expressed concern over the governor’s trip.
Gov. Whitmer’s main focus at the World Economic Forum is gaining new business with electric car manufacturers.
The leadership of the Michigan House Freedom Caucus which includes Rep. Steve Carra (R-Three Rivers), Rep. Matt Maddock (R-Milford), Rep. Rachelle Smit (R-Shelbyville), and Rep. Angela Rigas (R-Caldonia), shared concerns about why Gov. Whitmer is in Europe instead of working with the newly elected legislature on the bipartisan efforts to “move the state forward” as she’s boasted about repeatedly.
“It shows an unbelievable level of hypocrisy, and we must hold the governor accountable,” Rep. Rigas said. “Many potential lithium sites in the United States cannot currently mine due to various environmental lawsuits.”
Gov. Whitmer has faced backlash over her ability to keep and grow businesses in Michigan. In 2021, Dearborn-based Ford announced it would build battery plants in Tennessee and Kentucky instead of Michigan. At the time, Whitmer claimed Michigan wasn’t given a “real opportunity” to compete for a portion of the company’s $11.4 billion electric vehicle and battery investment.
Just before the Nov. 8 election, Whitmer faced more criticism for offering $715 million in incentives to a China-based company.
And on Wednesday, Whitmer said Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin made a “political determination” in rejecting a Ford battery plant over concerns about its Chinese partner.
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Meanwhile back at home, lawmakers are awaiting Gov. Whitmer’s return. She will give her State of the State address on Wednesday.
“Michiganders are more worried about their right to work being taken away from them than having government expansion of electric vehicle plants,” Rep. Smit said.
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