LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Some Lansing lawmakers are pushing back against Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and her use of billions of dollars in taxpayer funds to promote industry in Michigan linked to Chinese Communist government.

Whitmer, through state agencies, has approved roughly $2 billion in incentives for Gotion in Big Rapids and Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd (CATL) in Marshall, which would be run by both Ford and the Chinese company.

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State Rep. Andrew Fink (R-Adams Township) blasted Gov. Whitmer on Thursday. He said, “Michigan taxpayers should not be forced to foot the bill as the Chinese Communist Party expands its damaging influence into the United States. The Chinese government applies dictatorial authority over every business in its country, and we should not be welcoming this oligarchy into Michigan, let alone gifting them our taxpayer dollars,” Fink said.

In addition, State Rep. Andrew Beeler (R-Port Huron) issues a similar statement. “As Gov. Whitmer celebrates a deal for Ford and China’s Contemporary Amperex Technology, the final bill for Michigan taxpayers is still up in the air. The governor is still seeking at least $800 million more for the SOAR fund that could all go to this project. This governor already broke her no new taxes pledge, and it’s clear she’s on her way to breaking her transparency pledge again, so it’s time she comes clean,” Beeler said.

Gov. Whitmer sees the “investment” as a win for Michigan.

 

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The Democratic governor’s response differs from Republicans like Virginia Gov. Glenn Younkin. He rejected the CATL project because of its ties to Communist China.