As we face our state's economic challenges, Michigan must fight for every job. The state of Michigan gives away about $1 billion a year in the form of tax breaks, abatements and other economic incentives to attract businesses and create jobs. All too often, however, those incentives go to companies that hire workers from other states or other countries. That's not the way things should work in Michigan.

The Hire Michigan First plan will make sure that Michigan residents get first crack at the jobs that Michigan tax dollars create. Hire Michigan First will reward businesses that create jobs now and ensure that state economic development projects benefit Michigan's working families.

I call for our state Legislature to take quick bipartisan action to pass the Hire Michigan First plan and get Michigan back to work. I am signing this online petition to insist that when Michigan tax dollars are used to create jobs, those jobs go to Michigan workers first.