LANSING- Gilda Z. Jacobs (D-Huntington Woods) today joined her Senate Democratic colleagues and passed legislation that will give incentives to companies to “Hire Michigan Workers First.”

“These bills will help put many of our citizens back to work, and they will also help us keep our talented young workers here in the state,” said Senator Jacobs. “In these challenging economic times, the Hire Michigan First legislation ensures that companies that receive incentives from the state to locate or stay in Michigan will also have to hire Michigan workers.”

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.

In January, Senator Jacobs hosted a very well-attended town hall meeting on job search and other services available for unemployed workers. “There is a great need for jobs in our communities,” said Senator Jacobs. “Hire Michigan First provisions will help our workers land the jobs that are being created in our state. Families will once again have money to meet their basic needs, and that, in turn, will help our local businesses survive.”

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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Senator Gilda Jacobs represents the 14th Senate District, which includes Farmington, Farmington Hills, Ferndale, Hazel Park, Huntington Woods, Lathrup Village, Oak Park, Pleasant Ridge, Royal Oak Township, Southfield and Southfield Township. She is the Minority Vice Chair of the Campaign & Election Oversight, Families & Human Services and Finance committees. She is a member of the Economic Development & Regulatory Reform and Health Policy committees. She can be reached toll-free in Lansing at 1-888-937-4453.