MOUNT CLEMENS – Local lawmakers today announced an aggressive job-creation plan that rewards companies that employ 100 percent Michigan workers with state economic development incentives. The "Hire Michigan First" initiative also cracks down on companies that hire undocumented workers by creating penalties that include requiring them to pay back their state incentives and barring them from future state contracts.
"Every dollar our state spends should be used to create jobs that support Michigan's working families, not people from other states or even other countries," said State Representative Fred Miller (D-Mount Clemens), the architect of the "Hire Michigan First" plan. "Michigan has plenty of workers who are ready, willing and able to do whatever needs to be done, and they deserve first chance to fill the jobs their tax dollars help create. Michigan's workforce is world class, and we have to make sure that we are putting our workers first."
The "Hire Michigan First" plan:
- Awards state tax breaks and other economic development incentives to companies that hire the most Michigan residents. This rule would apply to projects handled by the Michigan Economic Development Corp. and certain state-funded programs, including the Michigan Economic Growth Authority and the Renaissance Zone Act.
- Encourages transparency and accountability by requiring companies that accept incentives to report on who they hire to ensure that Michigan residents are put first.
- Cracks down on companies that hire undocumented workers by creating penalties that include requiring them to pay back their tax incentives and barring them from future state contracts.
"Michigan families have been hit hard by corporate outsourcing and downsizing, and we must do what we can to help them," said State Representative Sarah Roberts (D-St. Clair Shores), who sponsored a bill in the package. "By rewarding companies that hire Michigan workers, we can reverse this drain on our economy and get more residents back to work. This is an important plan and one we must take action on now."
State Representative Jon Switalski (D-Warren) also threw his support behind today's plan: "As lawmakers, it is our job to do everything in our power to bring good-paying jobs to Michigan, and support the workers that drive our economy. We can't control other factors like national economic policies or the global economy, but we must control what happens with our state tax dollars. Hire Michigan First is a plan that will invest in our workers and help get Michigan back on track."
The "Hire Michigan First" legislation is expected to pass the House and be sent to the Senate as soon as this week.
"The hard-working men and women of Michigan have the skills, work ethic and experience that companies need to stay competitive in our 21st century global economy," said State Representative Lesia Liss (D-Warren). "When a company benefits from tax breaks and economic development grants, Michigan residents should reap the rewards of new jobs that are created. This plan has the potential to bring real relief to our working families who are struggling to make ends meet."
State Representative Harold Haugh (D-Roseville) added: "Our workers built the middle class. They are the most dedicated, hard-working employees anywhere and we must stand strong with them during these tough economic times. This plan will not only create good-paying jobs, but also bolster our economy and help move Michigan down the road to recovery."