Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (Official photo)
Some large Michigan businesses have quietly helped finance Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's foreign trade missions while reaping billions of dollars in incentives and other financial benefits from her administration, the Detroit News reports.
Craig Mauger Beth LeBlanc of The News report that Whitmer and previous governors have used a nonprofit organization, the Michigan Economic Development Foundation, to gather money from companies to pay for costs tied to official overseas trips.
The News goes on to report:
"However, a Detroit News investigation, based on a bevy of tax filings and internal documents, raised questions about whether the foundation and state leaders have been transparent about their relationship and about whether the arrangement has provided a secretive path for influence by those with financial matters before the state government."
Commenting on the Foundation, Whitmer spokeswoman Stacey LaRouche tells The News the governor "is committed to securing jobs and investment for Michigan."
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