LANSING – In six press conferences held across the state Monday, House Democrats said they will soon reintroduce their “Hire Michigan First” bills, which give preference for state and local economic development incentives to companies that hire Michigan workers.
Last term in majority, Democrats failed in getting a compromise on the bills with the Republican-controlled Senate and the legislation died in a conference committee. With Republicans, including the governor, now calling for a review of the state’s tax incentives for businesses, Democrats are hoping to fold the “Hire Michigan First” proposals into the debate.
Republicans have opposed the legislation’s provision that Michigan workers perform all state contracts – the current threshold is 50 percent – because it exempts union workers from the requirement. During floor debate last term, now-House Speaker Jase Bolger (R-Marshall) said the legislation was looking out for the unions’ interest, not the taxpayers.?
The GOP also opposed the bill’s provisions requiring businesses to state they will not knowingly or repeatedly violate the state’s prevailing wage law.
But Democrats maintain the legislation is needed to help put Michigan residents back to work and require more accountability of companies that accept these tax incentives.
“It was frustrating to see this plan stall last session, but I expect that the new Legislature will continue its bipartisan tone and come together to take a stand for Michigan workers,” Rep. Lisa Brown (D-West Bloomfield Twp.) said.
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