LANSING, Mi. - After years of Senate Democrats forcing the issue and pushing for an up or down vote, Senator Ray Basham (D-Taylor) today voted to approve 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.

“At a time when unemployment is soaring and recent graduates are leaving the state left and right, this bill package will get our talented workers back on the job,” said Basham. “The hardworking people of this state are the backbone of our economy, and today as leaders we demonstrated the importance of putting our citizens first.”

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.

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.

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