LANSING –State Representative Mike Simpson (D-Liberty Township) today announced an aggressive job-creation plan that rewards companies that employ Michigan workers instead of workers from other states and countries.
"Over the past few years, we've seen thousands of jobs outsourced or downsized," Simpson said. "Michigan's economy has lagged due to the loss of our manufacturing sector. The 'Hire Michigan First' plan will award economic development funds first to those companies that employ 100 percent Michigan workers. Not only will our job-creation plan help jumpstart our economy, but it also will level the playing field for Michigan's working families."
The "Hire Michigan First" plan:
· Gives companies that hire 100 percent Michigan workers priority in the awarding of tax breaks and other economic development tools. This rule would apply to projects handled by the Michigan Economic Development Corp., and certain state-funded programs, including the Strategic Fund Act, Transportation Economic Development Fund, and the 21st Century Jobs Fund;
· Requires businesses with contracts for construction of state buildings to hire 100 percent of their workers from Michigan, strengthening the current requirement of 50 percent; and
· Cracks down on companies that exploit illegal immigrant workers by canceling their state contracts and tax incentives. The plan would require them to pay back incentives already received and bar them from future contracts.
"During these difficult economic times, it's my job as a lawmaker to stand with Michigan's talented and diverse workforce," Simpson said. "Our state must use tax payer dollars to help Michigan workers, not workers from other states or countries."