LANSING – An effort by Senate Democrats to discharge the “Hire Michigan First” package for fast action fell short on Wednesday as majority Republicans rebuffed the attempt on a 16-21 vote.
The bid to put HB 4083, HB 4084, HB 4085, HB 4086, HB 4087, HB 4088, HB 4089, HB 4090, HB 4091, HB 4092, and HB 4093, before the chamber began almost the moment the chamber came into session. The move would have pulled the bills out of the Commerce and Tourism Committee and put them before the full Senate.
While Republicans objected to the move, Sen. Glenn Anderson (D-Westland) said it was imperative the state act quickly because of the increasing unemployment. State residents “need to know their tax credits are going to create jobs for Michigan residents,” he said.
After the chamber rejected the motion, Sen. Jason Allen (R-Traverse City) said the Commerce and Tourism Committee he chaired would give the package a fair consideration.
But the discharge move was nothing but political since even if signed into law the bills would not take effect until June, he said. The state has to look into all the aspects of the proposal, he said, including whether Michigan companies are not being fairly selected to provide goods and services to the state.
The package passed the House several weeks ago with some bipartisan support (two bills referring to prevailing wage and union issues were opposed by Republicans) and Governor Jennifer Granholm has also called for the proposal to pass. Under the package state contractors and those receiving economic development incentives would have to make an effort to hire Michigan workers, although there would be some exceptions for certain jobs.
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