House Democrats have once again shown their commitment to creating jobs and jump-starting our economy by passing "Hire Michigan First" – an aggressive job-creation plan that ensures that when state tax dollars create jobs, those jobs go to Michigan residents, not people from other states or countries.
"Outsourcing, downsizing and the loss of our manufacturing base are hurting our middle-class families," said State Representative Fred Miller (Mount Clemens), architect of the Hire Michigan First plan. "We must stand by our workers during these tough economic times. Michigan has plenty of workers who are ready, willing and able to do whatever needs to be done, and they deserve the first chance to fill the jobs that their tax dollars help create."
"Hire Michigan First" ensures that Michigan workers get the first crack at jobs created by companies that benefit from state economic development programs or tax breaks. To ensure Michigan residents come first, the plan requires companies who receive these benefits to report who they hire.
The plan passed the House in March and although the Senate took action on the plan in May, it left out many key pieces. Senate Republicans didn't include the portion of the plan that would double the required number of Michigan workers hired for state contracts to 100 percent. The plan to require companies that receive taxpayer incentives to follow state law, such as prevailing wage, also was left out.
"Senate action on parts of the 'Hire Michigan First' package is a move in the right direction, but more needs to done," Miller said. "Our workforce is world-class, and we have to make sure they have every opportunity to get back on the job."