LANSING, Mi. -- After years of Senate Democrats forcing the issue and pushing for an up or down vote, the State Senate today finally approved portions of the Hire Michigan First legislation. The plan will encourage companies to hire Michigan workers instead of workers from other states or countries by offering incentives. Democrats have been fighting for this legislation for years with several efforts to move the bills, repeated calls for action, and town hall meetings around the state.

“Senate Democrats will not back down on this issue because we know it will help boost our economy and get our workers back on the job,” said Senate Democratic Leader Mike Prusi (D- Ishpeming). “This package is a necessary first step but we need to restore critical provisions removed by the Republicans that protect Michigan workers’ jobs and the wages they earn.”

The items in the Hire Michigan First package that were approved by the Senate today would ensure that the millions of dollars Michigan spends in the form of tax breaks, abatements and other economic incentives in this state will be re-invested in our workers. The bills passed would also prohibit and punish those businesses that would contract with persons not authorized to work in the United States.

“It’s not enough to just see products that say, 'Made in Michigan,' we want our products, buildings, and bridges to be made by Michigan,” said Senator Glenn S. Anderson, a lead sponsor of the Senate package. “That’s why I fought for this issue every chance I got and it’s why I will continue to push for the elements of this plan that weren’t included in today’s vote.”

Senate Democrats also fought to include measures that would strengthen the bills. They sought to ensure that companies employing Michigan workers pay them a prevailing wage so that they are able to make enough money to feed their families and keep a roof over their heads. Senate Democrats also tried to correct loopholes in the bills inserted by Republicans that will make it easier for companies to not hire Michigan workers.

Additionally, three bills in the package have yet to see any Senate action:

• Senate Bill 289, a bill that would change the current law requiring vendors who contract with the state to hire not less than 50% of Michigan residents to 100% of Michigan residents

• Senate Bill 288, a bill that would allow Michigan to cancel a contract or stop payment under a contract to a vendor who knowingly hires illegal aliens or who knowingly violates Michigan's Prevailing Wage Law.

• Senate Bill 291, a bill that requires vendors under state contract to report on the number of new jobs created under the contract and the number of Michigan residents hired on that project.

“Just as I’ve stood on the picket lines with workers who saw their jobs being done by out-of-state workers, we will stand with the Michigan workers who may have jobs now as a result of the progress made on this legislation,” said Senator John J. Gleason (D-Flushing). “But I also promise not to abandon the workers who still need the rest of this plan approved to get their fair chance at earning a proper wage and providing for their family.”

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