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Beacon Statement on Government Handout to VW

July 14, 2014 9:45AM

We are extremely disappointed in Governor Haslam’s decision to give VW nearly $180 million in taxpayer handouts today, especially considering the uncertainty surrounding the company’s relationship with the UAW. Beacon CEO Justin Owen stated “At a cost of $90,000 per job, this is a bad deal for the taxpayers of Tennessee. While Beacon is happy to see VW staying in Tennessee and creating jobs, it comes at a cost that is unfair to the average Tennessee taxpayer, especially considering the recent decision to ignore the will of its workers and let the union into the plant.” In less than four days, the Beacon Center has already received almost 300 signatures from Tennessee residents opposing this act of corporate welfare for a company that permits the union to discard the votes of its workers.