LANSING- Martha G. Scott (D-Highland Park) this week joined with her colleagues to pass the Hire Michigan First legislation, which gives incentives to companies that hire Michigan workers instead of importing workers from out of state.

“I am glad that the entire Senate saw the urgent need for these bills and brought them to the Senate floor for a vote,” Senator Scott said. “Giving our Michigan workers a chance at these jobs will go a long way to improve our economy and rebuild our cities and communities.”

The Hire Michigan First package, approved by the Senate on May 7, ensures that the millions of dollars Michigan spends in the form of tax breaks, abatement and other economic incentives in Michigan will be re-invested in Michigan workers. The bills passed would also prohibit and punish those businesses that contract with illegal workers.

Three additional bills in the package have yet to see any action. Senate Bill 289 would require vendors who contract with the state to hire only Michigan residents; Senate Bill 288 would allow the state to cancel a contract with a vendor who knowingly hires illegal aliens or violates Michigan’s Prevailing Wage Law; and Senate Bill 291 would require vendors contracting with the state to report the number of new jobs created under the contract and the number of Michigan residents hired on that project.

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Senator Scott represents the 2nd Senate District, which includes areas of Detroit and the cities of Hamtramck, Harper Woods, Highland Park and all of the Grosse Pointes. She serves on the Senate Appropriations Committee.