Democratic Michigan lawmakers and state Gov. Gretchen Whitmer are facing angry taxpayers after authorizing taxpayer funds for a “green energy” project with ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) .

In a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing, lawmakers approved $175 million in public funding for Gotion, a Chinese company, to build an electric vehicle battery factory in Big Rapids, Michigan.

However, concerns were raised by the public and some lawmakers due to the fact that Gotion’s parent company, Gotion High-Tech, had corporate bylaws that establish a CCP committee within the company.

“The Party Committee of the Company shall perform its duties in accordance with the Constitution of the Communist Party of China and other Party regulations,” the bylaws say.

Despite opposition from committee Republicans and three Democrats, the measure passed on a 10-9 vote.

Michigan residents expressed concern about the parent company’s loyalty to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Some expressed concerns about the potential threat to national security, citing Gotion’s pledge of loyalty to the CCP in its corporate bylaws.

Michigan Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer had announced in October that Gotion’s $2.36 billion investment and creation of 2,350 jobs through the development of the mill was a major economic development project for the North of Michigan, promoting the state’s status as a global hub for mobility and electrification.

However, the controversy surrounding the decision has drawn criticism from some Michigan residents and lawmakers over the use of taxpayer funds to benefit a company with ties to the Chinese Communist Party.

Michigan residents expressed concern about the parent company’s Chinese Communist Party (CCP) allegiance.

“I think any Chinese communist plant buying 700 acres of Michigan land is a concern for all citizens across the state,” resident Cheryl Vitito said. “This CCP-controlled company represents communism and is a threat to our way of life and our constitutional and God-given freedoms. We do not want the CCP here through the Gotion plant, as they do not consider the value and dignity of human life”.

“This company pledges allegiance to the Chinese Communist Party and should be determined to be a threat to our national security,” said another resident, Shirley Schaefer.

“It’s the largest economic development project ever in Northern Michigan and will strengthen our status as a global hub for mobility and electrification,” Whitmer said.

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