Corporate Welfare in Ohio: The Controversy of Chinese-Owned Factories

Common Sense Ohio

Inflation Reduction Act Loophole: "Your tax dollars that is being dragged out of this country to enrich China."

Today, we're joined by special guest Eileen DeRolf, a former middle school teacher, and steadfast property rights advocate from Pataskala, Ohio. Together, we discuss the critical concerns surrounding corporate welfare in Ohio, with a specific focus on tax abatements and controversial development deals.

We discuss the uneasy involvement of Chinese government-linked entities in U.S. industrial projects, emphasizing how these affect our local governance and green spaces. We hear about the struggles of Pataskala citizens, whose voices were disregarded in city council meetings, and the alarming ways major projects bypass local regulations to favor foreign investments over American small businesses.

We explore the legislative efforts needed to safeguard our communities, examine the convoluted role of JobsOhio, and investigate the far-reaching impact of foreign influence within our borders. Plus, we'll touch on the stealthy economic threats posed by China's global strategies, and the crucial importance of informed voting to uphold our democratic rights.

Common Sense Moments

00:00 Pataskala hosts solar plant partially Chinese-owned.

05:14 Chinese workers unmonitored, near sensitive US sites.

11:01 Chinese ex-nationals in US countering Chinese influence.

19:03 Citizens initially ignored by city council, disrespected.

22:05 Prioritize development over preserving land and transparency.

31:28 JobsOhio promotes Chinese companies' presence in Ohio.

36:24 Investigating money laundering involving incentives for China.

41:48 Independent redistricting board removal criticized in Ohio.

46:35 Condemnation, disassociation, and tensions over "garbage" comments.

52:39 Belt and Road strengthens China’s global influence.

57:54 Naomi Wolf endorses Trump after supporting Israel.

58:52 Left Democratic party over speech suppression, vaccines.

3 Key Takeaways:

• Community Advocacy

Citizens need to stay vigilant and vocal about local governance to ensure their voices are heard and effectively represented in development projects.

• Economic Transparency

It's critical to push for legislative changes that prevent non-disclosure agreements from hiding crucial information about foreign investments and corporate welfare.

• Strategic Voting

Properly informed voting on local and national levels can uphold rights and significantly influence how policies are made and implemented, particularly those impacting local communities.

Recorded at the 511 Studios, in the Brewery District in downtown Columbus, OH.

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Stephen Palmer is the Managing Partner for the law firm, Palmer Legal Defense. He has specialized almost exclusively in criminal defense for over 26 years. Steve is also a partner in Criminal Defense Consultants, a firm focused wholly on helping criminal defense attorneys design winning strategies for their clients.

Norm Murdock is an automobile racing driver and owner of a high-performance and restoration car parts company. He earned undergraduate degrees in literature and journalism and graduated with a Juris Doctor from the University of Cincinnati College of Law in 1985. He worked in the IT industry for two years before launching a career in government relations in Columbus, Ohio. Norm has assisted clients in the Transportation, Education, Healthcare, and Public Infrastructure sectors.

Brett Johnson is an award-winning podcast consultant and small business owner for nearly 10 years, leaving a long career in radio. He is passionate about helping small businesses tell their story through podcasts, and he believes podcasting is a great opportunity for different voices to speak and be heard.

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