New state legislatures can take a stand against the CCP

The most recent elections swept a wave of Republican candidates to victory at the state and national level. As we highlighted before, there are now 23 states where Republicans control both chambers of the legislature and the governor’s mansion. Those states have a great opportunity to enact a legislative agenda that will protect their citizens from Chinese government influence. 

That does not mean, however, that the other 27 states cannot take important action next year. In several other states, Republicans won state House and Senate seats by campaigning against the growing impact of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) across the country.  

Newly elected House majorities in the states where Democratic governors still have the power to veto can pass legislation and force governors to take a side: America First or Pro CCP. State legislatures were given majorities in part because Democrats failed to protect American manufacturing and stop the growing threat posed by the Chinese government. Now they can use their power to pass bills, highlight the threats, and pressure Democrats to do the right thing.  

Michigan Can Stop Taxpayer Subsidies Going to China’s Government  

A small town in northern Michigan has spent over two years battling unsuccessfully to stop the creation of a Chinese-owned electric vehicle (EV) battery plant in their backyard. Democrats like Governor Gretchen Whitmer supported the pro-CCP plan so much that they handed the Chinese company over $700 million in taxpayer subsidies.  

The residents of Green Charter Township have repeatedly expressed their opposition to a large EV company with ties to the CCP buying thousands of acres of farmland and setting up shop in their town. The town was even sued by the Chinese company for opposing the deal. Despite the opposition of the citizens and the elected leaders in Washington, President Biden and Governor Whitmer are still pressing forward with the deal and the taxpayer handouts. 

Fortunately for the people of Michigan, voters recently ended the Democrats’ total control in Lansing by voting for a GOP-controlled House. The governor handing taxpayer subsidies to a widely opposed Chinese factory likely had something to do with Republicans’ success. Now the state House must seize on this opportunity and show voters they are committed to putting America first by repealing any funds that were given to a foreign company.  

Minnesota Can Cut Governor Walz’s Investment Ties to Beijing 

During the Presidential election, we highlighted Governor Tim Walz’s concerningly close connection to the government of Communist China. Not surprisingly, Gov. Walz has been using his position as governor to funnel taxpayer money to companies with connections to the CCP.   

Reports show that $1.3 billion of the Minnesota pension fund has been placed in Chinese investment funds or directly invested in Chinese companies. While other states are passing laws to ban their pension funds from going to China, Minnesota and Gov. Walz are increasing their financial involvement in a foreign government intent on world dominance.  

The newly elected Republican legislature should join other states around the country and pass legislation prohibiting public funds from investing in China – the Florida legislature serves as a great model for this. If Gov. Walz vetoed such a bill in his own state, it will highlight his deep connection to the CCP for voters. In the unlikely event he signs the bill, it would be a major win for the people of Minnesota.  

Put Democrat Governors on the Record 

These are just two examples of how Republican legislatures can put pressure on Democrat governors to address the expanding influence of the Chinese government in the United States.  If Democrat governors veto these commonsense bills, it will expose their lack of concern about the encroachment of the CCP in the states.  

The mission of the Protecting America Institute is to stop the threat of Communist China at the state level. We’re excited to work with states all across the country to achieve this goal. Even in states where Democrats still have power, there are outstanding opportunities to make a difference and strengthen our national security.