LANSING, Mich. — State Sen. Lana Theis, R-Brighton, issued the following statement on Monday after Gotion, an electric vehicle battery producer, revealed in a Foreign Agents Registration Act filing that it does receive funding subsidies from the Chinese government after previously denying this allegation:
“I can’t say I am surprised that Gotion was caught in this lie, but I can most certainly say I am once again disappointed by the company’s shady business practices and the insistence from our governor that they build a taxpayer-funded mega site in our state.
“Company officials have been misleading and secretive throughout the entire process as they attempted to set up shop in Michigan, and now we know why: They were lying. While those of us who were paying attention were already quite certain of this, the proof is now out there for the rest to see.
“The company’s planned battery plant project in central Michigan has been fraught with controversy throughout its development, from environmental concerns to national security risks, and a number of state and federal officials have condemned the company’s presence in Michigan.
“Gotion CEO Chuck Thelen has asserted the Chinese Communist Party was not involved in the American wing of the company, however, the latest filing undoubtedly proves where their allegiance lies and that they do indeed receive funding from the Chinese government — and thanks to our governor and Democrats in the Legislature — they’re also set to receive subsidies from Michigan taxpayers as well.
“Time and time again, the company has proven they can’t be trusted, and I am once again calling on the state to end all agreements with Gotion and ensure not one more dime of taxpayer money reaches their pockets.”
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