South Kent News

State Senator Thomas Albert, a Republican from Lowell, expressed his disappointment with the economic development policies of the Whitmer administration in Michigan. His statement comes after Ford Motor Co. announced that it would proceed with a smaller-scale electric vehicle battery facility in Marshall, Michigan, compared to its initial plans.

In his statement, Sen. Albert criticized the state's approach to economic development, referring to it as "massive corporate welfare." He stated, "The Whitmer administration has failed miserably with its massive 'corporate welfare' approach to economic development. This result is an embarrassment for the state and an insult to taxpayers."

Sen. Albert had been opposed to the project from the beginning, citing concerns about the use of taxpayer dollars. He highlighted the fact that hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars have already been spent on the project and expressed his frustration with the lack of planning and due diligence from the state. He said, "It is negligent to disrupt the lives of so many in the Marshall community without assurances that the project partner would follow through with their commitments. That is a shocking display of poor planning and lack of due diligence from the state."

The senator emphasized that the project had little chance of providing an adequate return on investment for taxpayers from the start and argued that the state's incentive package should be revisited. He called for a reevaluation of the state's system of economic development and a move away from what he described as "corporate welfare." Sen. Albert proposed implementing lower taxes and other "economic gardening" policies to make Michigan a better place for job creation and growth.

Sen. Albert's criticism of Michigan's economic development policies reflects a growing concern among some lawmakers and taxpayers regarding the state's approach to attracting and retaining businesses. The failed project in Marshall serves as a reminder of the need for accountability and careful consideration when investing taxpayer dollars in economic development initiatives.

As Michigan looks towards the future, it remains to be seen whether policymakers will heed Sen. Albert's call for a shift in economic development strategies. The state's success in attracting new businesses and creating a favorable environment for job growth will largely depend on the effectiveness of its policies and the willingness of lawmakers to prioritize the interests of taxpayers.

For more information and updates on state government, interested individuals can subscribe to Sen. Albert's email list and stay informed about the latest developments.

To find out more, go to this link: https://www.senatorthomasalbert.com/sen-albert-issues-statement-on-michigans-failed-economic-development-policies-in-marshall/