Hire Local, Cash In

According to the Michigan Department of Labor & economic growth, the state's labor force has continued to shrink--falling by 64,000 (1.3%) from January to July. Since July 2006, the state has lost 27,000 payroll jobs in manufacturing, 17,000 in construction, 14,000 in government, and 13,000 in trade, transport, and utilities.

A new economic development bill proposed by Democrats hopes to address this issue-- giving extra incentives for hiring Michigan workers. Hire Michigan First would create a sliding scale in which a company employing 100% Michigan workers is more likely to get a tax break than one employing 80% local workers. The bill would also make sure that companies hiring illegal immigrants would not receive contracts or incentives.

State Rep. Robert Dean summed up the proposal at a news conference on Monday: "Tax incentives and other benefits that come with economic development projects should be awarded only to companies that put Michigan workers first."

Sources: Grand Rapids Press, Lansing State Journal, Forbes via AP