N.Y. Lawmakers Fight Trump With a Proposal Targeting Elon Musk
N.Y. Lawmakers Fight Trump With a Proposal Targeting Elon Musk
A bill would authorize an audit of a state deal allowing Tesla to lease a factory site near Buffalo for $1 a year, and would create a way for the state to claw back subsidies.
FTA:
Two Democratic legislators are introducing a bill on Wednesday aimed at Mr. Musk and the so-called Buffalo Billion project, in which the state spent $959 million to build and equip a plant that Mr. Musk’s company leases for $1 a year to operate a solar panel and auto component factory.
The bill would require an audit of the state subsidy deal to “identify waste, fraud and abuse committed by private parties to the contract.” It would determine whether the company, Tesla, was meeting job creation targets, making promised investments, paying enough rent and honoring job training commitments.
If Tesla was found to be not in compliance, the state could claw back state benefits, impose penalties or terminate contracts.
Why can’t I lease a fully furnished house for $1 a month? I would be cheaper and have less negative environmental damage. I also promise not to underpay my nonexistent employees.
This factory was supposed to be producing Tesla Solar Roof tiles which is now vaporware. And the only reason Tesla owns the solar business at all is because he bailed out his cousin or something by buying the business from him.
The State should cancel the contract. Trump doesn't follow the rule of law, so no one else should either. Cancel it and let it go to court. If the state loses, ignore the ruling.
Letting only one side cheat is the path to losing.
When there's a legal method to do it, like this situation, following the high road does not create issues. Take the low road when needed, but don't do it unnecessarily. Best not to set any unsavory precedents imo