LANSING, Mich. — Sen. Jonathan Lindsey, R-Coldwater, issued the following statement urging General Motors to honor its commitments made to the state of Michigan and the taxpayers:
“For more than a decade, GM has used the acquisition of public funds to enrich itself but has failed to live up to its promises. In 2009, at the height of the automotive industry collapse, the company received $3.8 billion from the Michigan Economic Growth Authority to help ensure its survival during bankruptcy. Since then, GM has returned the favor by dismantling much of the infrastructure it built in Michigan to increase its wealth. As much as $3.5 billion in credits are outstanding in expected payments on MEGA tax credits through 2032.
“Recently, after being part of a $666.1 million corporate welfare package for the Ultium Cells Battery Plant, GM decided that they would prefer to diminish its corporate footprint and sell out Michigan workers to turn a measly profit.
“Yet again, we see GM move further away from its storied roots in Michigan and instead focus on demolishing its operations in our state. The Renaissance Center is a staple for the city of Detroit. The idea that we grant them additional funding of $250 million or the building will be demolished is an example of the company’s continued action as a bad-faith partner.
“GM has wasted millions of taxpayer dollars, continuing a trend of poor economic investment by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Democratic legislative trifecta. It is time GM honors its promises to the state of Michigan and our taxpayers.”
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