For Immediate Release
Sean Casten Tries to Revive Subsidies That Made Him Rich
July 13, 2020 – The best predictor of future behavior is past behavior. So it comes as no surprise to those who understand the details of Sean Casten’s professional life that – in the midst of a global health and economic crisis – he has put forth a bill that would revive the energy subsidies and sweetheart tax deals that were introduced in the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act – subsidies and tax deals from which the Congressman’s own business personally benefited.
Casten has stated that “tax policy is a bad way to incentivize investment.” In 2008, however, as the president of Recycled Energy Development (RED), Casten asked Congress to create both an investment tax credit and performance tax credit that would help his business. RED lobbied the federal government to benefit from the 2009 Stimulus Package in the wake of the 2008 Recession, and subsequently received over $8 million in total corporate welfare in grants and loans.
It worked so well the first time, Casten is attempting his money grab again.
“At a time when families are struggling to make ends meet, and businesses are forced to close their doors, all Sean Casten can think about is how he personally can benefit from his position in government,” said Jeanne Ives, candidate for Congress (IL-06). “When the CARES Act was being negotiated, Congressman Casten didn’t ask for fair funding for his district. He lobbied for a second helping of the tax breaks and subsidies that made him a wealthy man.
“This district is made up of generous people who care about their neighbors. Congressman Casten’s self-serving choices do not represent the people in this district. Worse, his choices actually hurt the families and businesses he is supposed to represent. As a legislator, I stood up to those who used their role in government for personal gain. And I fought special deals for politically connected companies. I’m going to Washington because the people of Illinois Sixth District deserve someone who understands their values and shares their interests, not a self-serving grifter like Sean Casten.”
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For more information or to book Jeanne Ives contact Kathleen Murphy at 630-329-4680 or kathleenemurphy26@gmail.com.
