LANSING – State Representatives Fred Miller (D-Mount Clemens) and Andy Meisner (D-Ferndale) today announced that hearings will begin on the "Hire Michigan First" plan, a comprehensive job-creation plan proposed by House Democrats.
The first hearing will be held in front of a joint meeting of the House Labor and Commerce committees on Tuesday, Feb. 26, at 9 a.m. in the House Appropriations Room, Room 352 at the Capitol.
"What we need first and foremost in our effort to boost the economy is new jobs – and my plan will aggressively protect and create jobs in Michigan," Miller said. "Michigan families have been hit hard by outsourcing and downsizing, and state dollars should create jobs for our residents, not residents of other states and countries. Michigan workers deserve the first crack at any job created by companies that benefit from tax breaks or state economic development programs."
Miller, who is chair of the House Labor Committee, originally crafted this aggressive job-creation plan. He has been a tireless advocate of initiatives that protect Michigan's working families.
Acknowledging the comprehensive plan's potential impact as a job-creation program, dozens of legislators have thrown their support behind this plan by signing on as co-sponsors.
The "Hire Michigan First" plan:
- Require companies that receive state construction contracts hire 100 percent Michigan workers, strengthening the current requirement of 50 percent.
- Gives preference for tax breaks and other economic development tools to companies that will hire the most Michigan workers. This rule would apply to projects handled by the Michigan Economic Development Corp., and certain state-funded programs, including the Michigan Economic Growth Authority, the Renaissance Zone Act, and several others.
- Requires companies that take economic development incentives to report on who they are hiring to ensure that Michigan workers are put first, encouraging transparency and accountability.
- Cracks down on companies that exploit undocumented workers by canceling their state contracts and tax incentives. A "clawback" clause in the plan would require them to pay back incentives already received and bar them from future contracts.
"Michigan's jobs crisis is immediate and urgent," Meisner said. "It's the right thing to do to give priority for economic development projects to companies that employ 100 percent Michigan workers right now. By investing in Michigan workers, we're investing in the future of our state, and that will reap both short-term and long-term benefits."
Meisner, who is chair of the House Commerce Committee, is fighting for programs that stimulate Michigan's economy. He crafted a package to create a culture of entrepreneurship and offer powerful new tools and incentives to people willing to start their own businesses and become the job providers of tomorrow.
The package, which includes House Bills 5780-5791, was introduced in the House today.