See below for a Facebook post from former/two-term Virginia Lt. Governor Bill Bolling, a conservative Republican, who is puzzled by Gov. Youngkin killing a major economic development victory for Southern Virginia – a $3.5B economic investment that would have created 2,500 jobs.” Bolling adds that the decision “requires a lot more explanation,” and argues that “We cannot refuse to do business with any company simply because they have ties to China.” For more on this story, see Youngkin Singled Out Ford (and Killed 2,500 Jobs); In Fact, Numerous Top Virginia Companies Have Major Business Ties with China, Missed Opportunity: How Governor Youngkin’s Decision to Block a Ford EV Battery Plant Inflicts Long-Term Harm, etc.
For the most part, I have been supportive of the manner in which Governor Youngkin has performed during his first year in office, but this is a head scratcher. This would have been a major economic development victory for Southern Virginia – a $3.5B economic investment that would have created 2,500 jobs. It is exactly the kind of project we have worked on for years for this part of the state. We cannot refuse to do business with any company simply because they have ties to China. If we do, we will severely hamper our economic development efforts. This decision requires a lot more explanation.