LANSING, Mich. — Sen. Jim Runestad on Tuesday criticized Michigan’s economic development programs under the leadership of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer following reports that an electric vehicle battery manufacturer that banked $900,000 in business development grants will close two plants and lay off nearly 200 workers as it moves production out of state.
“This is just the latest example of our governor’s short-sighted, failed corporate handouts hurting Michigan in the long run. Another company is walking away from its promises after pocketing nearly a million in taxpayer dollars with no repercussions,” said Runestad, R-White Lake.
“Gov. Whitmer has made a bad habit out of shelling out billions of taxpayer dollars to wealthy corporations over the past six years with very little to show for it. How many more companies need to leave Michigan with the bill for their empty promises before we say enough is enough? This isn’t economic development — it’s economic disaster.”