LANSING - Senate Democrats highlighted expected action this afternoon when a Senate committee will consider the Hire Michigan First legislation. The flagship plan for Senate Democrats which gives incentives to companies to hire Michigan workers, guarantees that state contracts do not go to companies hiring illegal immigrants, and ensures a prevailing wage to support Michigan families.

"It’s about time the business community and Republicans finally join with us to put Michigan’s working families first," said Senate Democratic Leader Mike Prusi (D-Ishpeming). “Senate Democrats have been fighting everyday for this legislation and we’re glad the efforts are paying off."

Key components of the Hire Michigan First Package include:

• Awarding state tax incentives and other economic development incentives to companies that hire 100% Michigan residents. This rule would apply to projects handled by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and other state-funded programs, including the Michigan Economic Growth Authority, the Renaissance Zone Act, and others.

• Encouraging transparency and accountability by requiring companies that take economic development incentives to report on who they hire to ensure that Michigan residents are given priority.

• Discouraging the hiring of undocumented workers by canceling state contracts and tax incentives for companies that employ illegal labor, requiring them to pay back incentives they received and barring them from future contracts.

• Protecting the pocketbooks of Michigan families by guaranteeing a prevailing wage for workers.

Senator Glenn S. Anderson, a lead sponsor of the Senate package said, "Every job, and every dime of someone's paycheck matters, so moving this legislation as it was approved by both Republicans and Democrats in the House is crucial."

Three Senate Committees are scheduled, two for this afternoon and one Wednesday morning to advance the Hire Michigan First legislation.

"Michigan workers are the hardest-working and have all the talents and skills to get jobs done, we just need to make sure they have a chance to compete," said Senator Hansen Clarke (D-Detroit), Democratic Vice-Chair of the Commerce Committee. "I look forward to our committee taking the first steps to finally passing this important legislation."

"With these measures in place, I hope to never again have to stand on another work site where Michigan workers watch as workers from other states or countries are trucked in to do their jobs," said Senator John Gleason (D-Flushing).

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