Tim Walz Gives $126k In Taxpayer Funds To JBS, The Meatpacker Accused Of Hiring Kids

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has approved up to $126,000 in job training grants for JBS, a big meat processing company. This decision is surprising because JBS has been in trouble for several serious issues recently.

In February 2023, the U.S. Department of Labor found that a cleaning company had illegally hired 22 children. These children worked at the JBS processing plant in Worthington, Minnesota. They had to work in dangerous conditions and even during late-night shifts. After this discovery, JBS fired the cleaning service.

In June 2023, the Minnesota Office of Higher Education gave money to JBS to help train its workers. According to spokesman Keith Hovis, this funding will support dual training programs for 28 staff members at the plant. Governor Walz praised the decision, saying, “These career growth and training opportunities allow Minnesotans to get ahead in their careers while helping businesses recruit and keep talent. It’s a win-win.”

However, many people are worried about this funding. Over the last ten years, JBS and its parent company, J&F Investimentos SA, have been involved in many legal problems. The company is owned by the Batista brothers, who are billionaires from Brazil.

Just last week, McDonald’s filed a lawsuit in Brooklyn Federal Court. They accused JBS and other food companies of fixing beef prices. They said these companies limited supply to raise prices unfairly. This lawsuit has caught a lot of attention.

In February, New York state Attorney General Letitia James also sued JBS. She accused the company of lying to consumers about its efforts to reduce pollution. These claims raised more questions about the company’s honesty.

In 2020, JBS’s owner, J&F Investimentos SA, admitted to bribery in the United States. They agreed to pay $128 million as part of their settlement. Senator Marco Rubio shared his worries about JBS. 

He said, “JBS has a long history of misleading investors and other corrupt business practices.” He was part of a group of senators who contacted the Securities and Exchange Commission in January, voicing their concerns about JBS listing on the New York Stock Exchange.

Rubio believes that the company does not deserve taxpayer money. He said, “It needs a federal investigation.” Many people agree and think the state should be careful about giving money to a company with such a troubled past.

Governor Walz’s office has not yet responded to requests for comments about the grant. This situation raises important questions about how states support businesses and the choices they make about public money.