LANSING – State Representative Barb Byrum (D-Onondaga) today threw her 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.
"Michigan residents are losing their jobs at an alarming rate and we must take action to prevent anymore from being lost," Byrum said. "Our state needs to ensure our workers are given priority when a company that takes advantage of state tax incentives is hiring. The 'Hire Michigan First' plan does just that."
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.
"I've seen my neighbors and friends lose their jobs because of these poor economic times," Byrum said. "It is my top priority to get our residents back to work, in the good-paying jobs they are qualified for. Now, it is more important than ever to quickly pass this common-sense plan that will not only get our workers back on the job, but also will help get our economy back on track."