East Michigan News

State Sen. Jim Runestad has demanded transparency and accountability from Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) CEO Quentin Messer regarding a $20 million grant awarded to a Detroit-area businesswoman and MEDC executive committee member. Runestad's concerns stem from reports of potential misuse of taxpayer funds by Fay Beydoun, who received the grant for her start-up company Global Link International.

"The MEDC must answer for the negligence and corruption demonstrated by this grant," said Sen. Runestad. "This is supposed to be an organization that builds Michigan's economy — instead, what we are seeing is a grave misuse of funds to support its board members' own living standard."

Runestad's letter to Messer included specific questions regarding the grant and the MEDC's oversight. He expressed his belief that the MEDC has become a "dark money slush fund" and called for more transparency and oversight on the allocation of funds.

"The MEDC has been turned into a dark money slush fund for those in power," Runestad stated. "Deals like these are crafted in back rooms in the dark of night by the powerbrokers right before the budget is voted on. We need far more oversight on MEDC projects, and I will not stop until we have total transparency on who these funds are going to, and why."

Individuals interested in obtaining a copy of the letter from Sen. Runestad's office can request it by contacting [email protected] Runestad encouraged constituents to subscribe to his email list to stay informed about state government updates.