LANSING – With news that Michigan's jobless rate spiked above 10 percent in December for the first time since 1984, State Representative Dian Slavens (D-Canton) today vowed to focus her energies on creating good-paying jobs now for Michigan workers.
"Our working families are struggling to make ends meet as they watch our workers' jobs get downsized or outsourced to other states or countries – this has got to stop," Slavens said. "The No. 1 focus must be on job creation, plain and simple. I will fight to create more jobs and create a business environment in Michigan that will attract businesses and investment."
After losing 21,000 jobs last month, Michigan's jobless rate rose to 10.6 percent for December – the highest monthly rate recorded since December 1984, according to the Michigan Department of Labor, Energy and Economic Growth (DELEG). By comparison, the national unemployment rate was 7.2 percent in December.
Last week, Slavens introduced the Hire Michigan First plan, which will ensure that Michigan workers get the first chance at jobs created by companies that benefit from state economic development programs or tax breaks. The plan cracks down on companies that hire illegal workers by canceling their state contracts and tax incentives. It also requires those companies to pay back incentives already received and bars them from obtaining future contracts.
"Michigan workers must come first every time, especially when our taxpayer dollars are being used to fund projects," Slavens said. "Our working families need relief, and they need it now. I will work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure that the Hire Michigan First plan is put on the fast-track."