2023 Senate Bill 579

Economic development: Michigan strategic fund; good jobs for Michigan program; modify.

A bill to amend 1984 PA 270, entitled “Michigan strategic fund act,” by amending section 9 (MCL 125.2009), as amended by 2021 PA 136, and by adding chapter 8F.

Mackinac Center Analysis

House Bills 579-581 would allow select businesses to collect the income tax withheld from their employees’ paychecks. The companies that receive deals can keep collecting taxes for up-to ten years. This legislation authorizes up to $2.875 billion in deals to be awarded. The program had been in operation from 2017 to 2019 (labeled Good Jobs for Michigan) and did not live up to expectations. Supporters claimed that it would create thousands of jobs. Administrators made only six deals over the life of the program. Despite over five years to produce results, only one of the companies that had received a deal had created any jobs, according to the latest state report. This package of bills resurrects the business incentive and rebrands it as HIRE in Michigan.

Introduced in the Senate

Oct. 11, 2023

Introduced by Sens. Sam Singh (D-28) and Mary Cavanagh (D-6)

Referred to the Committee on Economic and Community Development

Oct. 25, 2023

Reported with substitute S-1

Oct. 26, 2023

Referred to the Committee of the Whole

Oct. 31, 2023

Reported with substitute S-1

Substitute S-1 concurred in by voice vote

March 19, 2024

Substitute S-5 offered by Sen. Sam Singh (D-28)

The substitute passed by voice vote

Passed in the Senate 20 to 15 (details)

Received in the House

March 20, 2024

Referred to the Committee on Economic Development and Small Business