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Hire Michigan First ! A Simple Concept: Use Michigan money for Michigan workers! Be sure that YOUR Representative and Senator support these bills. |
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A package of twelve bills of great importance to Michigan citizens and Michigan WORKERS passed out of the Labor Committee and is awaiting action on the House floor. The package was developed by Representative Fred Miller and goes under the overall package of "Hire Michigan First". The bills passed out of the Labor and Commerce Committees with all Democrats voting for them – and with NO Republican support! The bills amend the various laws that provide economic incentives for new jobs, new companies and/or new construction to mandate that any one receiving state tax dollars to assist in their job development will have to hire Michigan workers before importing people from out of state for the new jobs! This requirement would apply to companies that get tax breaks in any form – as well as to the contracting out of employment for construction or other services. Exceptions are allowed only if Michigan residents are not available or trained for specific jobs. Equally important, the bills include strict reporting requirements so that the state can actually track the success of the Michigan hiring — something that has been lacking in previous economic packages. AND, there are strong penalties attached for anyone or any company that does not live up to the commitments made in the initial contract between the state and the company receiving the tax break. The bills would also ban the hiring of illegal workers. Representative Miller commented: "Hire Michigan First is a straightforward plan to ensure that when companies benefit from taxpayer dollars in the form of contracts, tax breaks or other incentives; our Michigan residents will get the first shot at those jobs." Jack Minore, AFL-CIO Legislative Director agrees: "When Michigan taxpayer dollars are spent, our Michigan residents and workers should benefit first! I encourage all of our members to contact their state legislators and ask them to support the `Hire Michigan First' package of bills."
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