WOODHAVEN – State Representative Deb Kennedy (D-Brownstown), Majority Floor Leader Kathy Angerer (D-Dundee) and State Representative Kate Ebli (D-Monroe) today promoted 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.
"Michigan has the hardest working, most dedicated workers in the world, and this plan ensures that they get the first crack at jobs that are created with taxpayer dollars," Kennedy said. "Right now, Michigan is struggling with the highest unemployment rate we've seen since the 1980s. By creating more jobs for our workers, we can support our working families in these tough times and help get them back on their feet. This plan will help do just that."
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.
"When companies are rewarded with tax incentives from the state, they should hire Michigan workers, it's just that simple," Angerer said. "We shouldn't let our taxpayer dollars be used to create jobs for workers from other states or countries. This plan will ensure that our taxpayer dollars are put to good use – by creating good-paying jobs for our workers."
The Michigan House is likely to pass the "Hire Michigan First" package and send it to the Senate as soon as this week.
"Our workers are hurting and it's our duty to support them in any way we can," said Ebli, who sponsored a bill in the package. "Outsourcing and downsizing have hit our middle-class families hard at a time when they can't stretch their dollars any further. Placing this plan on the fast track sends a clear message that we will stand up for our working families during these challenging economic times and ensure they have access to the jobs that they need."