LANSING – State Representative Kate Ebli (D-Monroe) today was sworn in to her second full term in the Michigan House of Representatives during a ceremony at the State Capitol marking the beginning of the 95th Legislature.
"Today marks the beginning of the change we need to get our state back on track," Ebli said. "We need to focus on creating more good-paying jobs for our workers, protecting the jobs we have from being outsourced and creating a more favorable business environment so that small business can grow and prosper in Michigan. I am honored that our community has put its trust in me to bring about these changes, and I am ready to take on the challenges we face."
After the ceremony, Ebli and her colleagues went to work immediately by introducing the Hire Michigan First plan, which will ensure that Michigan workers get the first chance at jobs created by companies that benefit from state economic development programs or tax breaks. The plan cracks down on companies that hire illegal workers by canceling their state contracts and tax incentives. It also requires those companies to pay back incentives already received and bars them from obtaining future contracts.
Also on Ebli's agenda is reducing lawmakers' pay, a plan that passed the House last year but was stalled in the Republican-controlled Senate.
Ebli was joined at the ceremony by her husband, Nick, a retired Marine and Vietnam War veteran.
"Our residents are making a number of sacrifices every day, and we need to lead by example and tighten our belts as well – not dump more of the financial burden on our taxpayers," Ebli said. "We need to rein in our spending and reform our government to make it more efficient and effective for our residents. I am confident that we can work across party lines over the next two years to create real change, revitalize Michigan and rebuild our economy."