LANSING – One year after unveiling a bold plan to create more jobs by rewarding companies that hire Michigan workers, State Representative Marc Corriveau (D-Northville) today called on the Senate to pass the "Hire Michigan First" plan that has been held up in that chamber for three months.
"Hire Michigan First will create good-paying jobs for Michigan workers, it's just that simple," Corriveau said. "These are jobs that can't be outsourced to other states or countries. By investing in companies that invest in our workers, we can turn our economy around. I call on the Senate to take action now to get Hire Michigan First to the governor's desk to be signed into law so we can stop our workers' jobs from being outsourced."
Corriveau unveiled the "Hire Michigan First" plan on Aug. 13, 2007, in an effort to create more jobs for Michigan workers. Michigan currently has the highest unemployment rate in the nation at 8.5 percent, according the U.S. Department of Labor.
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.
"This is a no-brainer – our workers need jobs, and the Hire Michigan First plan will create them," Corriveau said. "There is no reason for the Senate to stonewall on this important job-creation plan. Michigan has the best workers in the world. By taking action now, we can get our workers back on the job and bring relief to our working families who are struggling to keep their heads above water."