LANSING – A package of bills that would require state contracts and economic development efforts to focus hiring on Michigan residents went to the full House after being reported on a largely bi-partisan basis from the House Commerce Committee on Tuesday.
The panel’s six Republicans voted against reporting the main bills in the 12-bill package, HB 4085 and HB 4086 , though some changes were made to the bills to provide greater protections for businesses for possible unintentional violations of the hiring provisions. HB 4094 also was approved on largely a partisan basis, 12-4-2.
But most the rest of the package (HB 4083 , HB 4084 , HB 4087 , HB 4088 , HB 4089 , HB 4090 , HB 4091 , HB 4092 and HB 4093 ) was reported either unanimously or with most GOP members supporting it.
A similar package cleared the House in the last session, but failed to move in the Senate.
Under the package, contractors for the state would have to demonstrate they are attempting to hire state residents for jobs. As originally introduced, HB 4085 would have required contractors for construction projects to hire all Michigan residents unless they were not available.
Committee chair Rep. Robert Jones (D-Kalamazoo) said the package helps put the state and its residents “in play when using the taxpayers’ money.” State workers will be able benefit from the package, he said.
This story was provided by Gongwer News Service. To subscribe, click on Gongwer.Com
a>>
