LANSING – State Representative Jim Slezak (D-Davison) today threw his support behind an aggressive job-creation plan that rewards state economic development incentives to companies that employ 100 percent Michigan workers. 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.
"When Michigan taxpayer dollars are being used to create new jobs, Michigan workers should be getting those jobs," Slezak said. "Our workforce has the skills and training to fit any job and it's not right to see these jobs going to people from other states and countries. Michigan workers not only need those jobs, they deserve those jobs."
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.
The House is expected to pass the "Hire Michigan First" legislation and send it to the Senate as soon as this week.
"With the sobering news that Michigan's unemployment rate has shot to nearly 12 percent, this plan is needed now more than ever," Slezak said. "It's time we fought this outsourcing that has crippled our economy and cost far too many hardworking Michigan residents their jobs. This plan is a key step toward getting our residents back to work and turning Michigan's economy around."