LANSING, Mich., April 15, 2021 – Michigan House and Senate Democrats 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.
“Michigan workers and businesses deserve to know that the State of Michigan has their back when they play by the rules,” said Senate Democratic Leader Jim Ananich (D-Flint). “We cannot afford to turn a blind eye when out-of-state companies cheat to gain an unfair advantage. By implementing the Michigan Jobs First Executive Directive, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is sending the message that Michigan is a place where businesses can expect free, fair and honest competition.”
The executive directive requires bidders on state projects to complete a vendor questionnaire. The worksheet asks bidders to disclose relevant records, including labor and environment compliance. In addition, bidders are asked to certify its workforce is accurately classified as employees and not independent contractors, or “1099 workers.” The worksheet also enables an assessment of the bidders’ likely economic impact on a project.
“Michigan’s small businesses and workers will benefit from Gov. Whitmer’s Michigan Jobs First Executive Directive,” said House Democratic Leader Donna Lasinski (D-Scio Twp). “Michigan needs to build an economy that rewards those who follow the law and do their part to contribute to our state’s future. This will end shady payroll practices that cheat Michigan workers and taxpayers and create unfair competition for good business owners.”
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