PORT HURON – State Representatives John Espinoza (D-Croswell) and Jennifer Haase (D-Richmond) today threw their support behind 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.
"It's not right that the state with the best workers in the country has the highest unemployment rate," Espinoza said. "When Michigan taxpayers' money is used to create jobs, they want those jobs to go to Michigan workers – not people brought in from other states or even other countries. Rewarding businesses that invest in Michigan will make sure that our residents are the ones who benefit."
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 expects to pass "Hire Michigan First" legislation and send it to the Senate as soon as this week.
"With unemployment rates continuing to rise in Michigan, we have to fight for every job right now," Haase said. "Companies that accept taxpayer dollars and then turn around and hire out-of-state workers or illegal immigrants are taking away jobs that our neighbors need and deserve. This plan makes sure that scarce state resources are used to put Michigan workers first."