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First let me say how proud I am to be standing here with my Michigan democratic colleagues and the Speaker of the House, Andy Dillon discussing hiring Michigan first.  The second part of the plan cracks down on companies that hire illegal immigrants.  When companies break the law, they will subject to strict, new penalties.  These include being required to pay back their tax incentives and being barring from receiving state contracts in the future.
 
One of the examples that Rep. Miller just gave on the Big Mac would be something that we would be targeting.  We need to come down hard on businesses that accept taxpayer money under the guise of creating jobs only to bring in undocumented workers to maximize their own bottom line. 
 
Companies that break the law in this way give themselves an unfair advantage over businesses that play by the rules in Michigan.  They should not be rewarded for avoiding their responsibilities.  The practice of hiring illegal immigrants disregards the training and the expertise of our residents who are ready, willing and able to provide the workforce that business needs.  It also takes advantage of undocumented workers and puts them at risk.
 
Now, more than ever, we have to make sure that each and every tax dollar is being spent where it matters most.  That's why the third part of the Hire Michigan First plan involves keeping track of the return Michigan workers get on the state tax breaks and contacts.  Companies receiving these economic development tools will be required to report for the first time who they are hiring.  This increases transparency and accountability in government and it makes sure that companies are putting Michigan workers first.  We no longer can turn our back on Michigan workers.  We must provide our local workers with as many employment opportunities as possible.  This plan does that.