LANSING, Mich., April 15, 2021 – State Rep. Alex Garza (D-Taylor) today applauded Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s Michigan Jobs First Executive Directive 2019-15 as an important step to promote free and fair competition when companies bid for state projects.

“Skilled trades’ workers are some of our hardest and most dependable here in Michigan,” Garza said. “So I am honored to stand with Gov. Whitmer to protect their rights and ensure they are paid fair wages for their invaluable work. I look forward to the day these provisions and assurances are codified into Michigan law.” 

The executive order requires bidders on state projects to complete a vendor questionnaire, which asks bidders to disclose relevant records, including labor and environment compliance. Additionally, the worksheet asks bidders to certify their workforce is accurately classified as employees and not independent contractors, or “1099 workers,” while also enabling an assessment of the bidders’ likely economic impact on a project.