LANSING – State Representative Robert Dean (D-Grand Rapids) today voted for the "Hire Michigan First" plan, which will ensure that Michigan workers get the first crack at jobs created by companies that benefit from state economic development programs or tax breaks. The plan will also crack down on companies that hire illegal immigrants by canceling their state contracts and tax incentives. It now heads to the Senate for approval.
"When companies get incentives that are paid for by taxpayer dollars, those companies should give priority to Michigan workers – not out-of-state or illegal workers," said Dean, a lead sponsor of the plan. "Michigan has the best workforce in the nation. By getting our residents back on the job and putting more money in their pocketbooks, this plan will give our economy the boost it needs and put Michigan back on track."
The "Hire Michigan First" plan will:
- Give preference for tax breaks and other economic development tools 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, the Renaissance Zone Act and several others.
- Encourage transparency and accountability by requiring companies that take economic development incentives to report on who they hire to ensure that Michigan residents are put first.
- Crack down on companies that hire illegal workers by canceling their state contracts and tax incentives. The plan would also require them to pay back incentives already received and bar them from future contracts.
"In these difficult economic times, we must work to protect every single job," Dean said. "Our working families are being squeezed from every direction, and they have been hit hard by corporate downsizing and outsourcing. By investing in our workers, we're investing in Michigan's economy, and that will reap both short-term and long-term benefits."