DETROIT – Detroit House Democrats today to promote 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's unemployment rate has soared past 11 percent – the highest rate we've seen in nearly 20 years," said State Representative Bettie C. Scott (D-Detroit), a sponsor of the plan. "Too many of our residents have lost their jobs and are hurting. We must do everything we can to help them during these tough economic times. The tax dollars that create jobs in Michigan should go back into Michigan workers' pockets, it's just that simple."
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's workforce needs a plan that will ensure their continued economic survival," said State Representative Tim Bledsoe (D-Grosse Pointe). "A number of our residents are being overlooked by employers because it is more cost effective for them to hire an illegal worker. The Hire Michigan First plan will ensure that any company taking advantage of state contracts will be required to hire Michigan workers."
State Representative Gabe Leland (D-Detroit) said: "In Detroit and across the state, we need jobs. This is a plan that will give our workers the opportunities they deserve to compete for good-paying jobs. It's important to help companies that want to employ our workers and help diversify our state's economy."
House Democrats expect the "Hire Michigan First" legislation to pass the House and be sent to the Senate as soon as this week.
"Our workers have the skills needed to work in good-paying jobs in high-demand fields," said State Representative Fred Durhal Jr. (D-Detroit). "We have to make sure our workers come first, not those from other states and countries. This plan will ensure our hard-working residents get a fair chance at Michigan jobs."
State Representative David Nathan (D-Detroit)
added: "Our jobs crisis is immediate and urgent. We have to fight hard to protect every Michigan job we can. By putting
our workers back on the job now, we will get more money flowing into our local communities, and that will help get
Michigan's economy moving in the right direction."