NASHVILLE- Americans for Prosperity Tennessee (AFP-TN) today voiced strong opposition to the $30 Million Fast Track Grant for Starbucks from the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development. This grant aims to accommodate and cement the Starbucks Coffee Company’s new corporate Headquarters inside the Volunteer State. The goal, put forward in front of the State Funding Board, is to provide this grant money to Starbucks to help with relocation, with the promise from Starbucks to expand and create jobs within the state.
This move comes as Starbucks is closing several locations and laying off staff. AFP-TN called this Fast Track Grant another cash grab for more corporate welfare.
AFP-TN Grassroots Engagement Director Pamela Furr released the following statement:
“Tennessee created a business climate where opportunity exists for everyone. We respect hard work, entrepreneurship, and economic freedom. That is why we stand opposed to this proposed $30 million FastTrack incentive package for Starbucks. Government should not be picking winners and losers in business.
“Starbucks should not be able to take Tennesseans for a ride. The free market works best when businesses succeed based on innovation, value, and consumer choice, not based on who can negotiate the best deal with government.”
