LANSING – State Representatives Tom Cochran (D-Mason) and Theresa Abed (D-Grand Ledge) said today that Gov. Rick Snyder is wrong to remove language from state budgets giving preference to Michigan-based businesses that can provide the goods and services state departments need over foreign companies.
“When state departments contract with Michigan-based businesses, it creates jobs in our communities, and that helps businesses and local economies grow,” said Cochran. “It makes no sense to let the state government buy from another country or state when we can get the same services here at home and help keep our families and neighbors on the job.”
Typically, most state budgets include language encouraging departments to, whenever possible, contract with Michigan-based companies to fill their needs. That language was removed from many budgets in the budget proposal submitted by the governor to the Legislature last week.
“I will work with Rep. Cochran and my Democratic colleagues to make sure the ‘Buy Michigan’ preference language is put back into all state budget bills,” said Rep. Abed. “The state needs to take the lead and show that it is committed to doing business here in Michigan if we expect other industries and businesses to employ our residents and spend their money right here in Michigan when they need goods and services.”