Michigan Coalition for Progress Launches Petition to Pass “Hire Michigan First” Legislation

KALAMAZOO, MI – The Michigan Coalition for Progress (www.miprogresscoalition.org) today announced the launch of an online petition calling on Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop to hold a vote on and pass the “Hire Michigan First” bills, so that jobs can be created for Michiganders.

“The Coalition identified this legislation as a major priority in the previous election.  We applaud the House for its swift passage and now it’s the Senate’s turn to put Michigan back to work.  With state unemployment at more than 11 percent, among the highest in the nation, we ask what is the Senate waiting for?” asked Ben Miller, Executive Director of the Coalition. “This petition is part of our mission to continually educate and empower the voters of this state. They deserve to know that a bill which could create thousands of jobs here at home is stalled in the Senate.  We are demanding action now.”   

Michigan Coalition for Progress is a grassroots organization founded in 2006 that has grown to more than 40,000 members. The Coalition gives voice to the tens of thousands of progressive Michiganders looking to both hold state government accountable, and ensure that it reflects their values.  Coalition members want to move Michigan forward.

The Coalition believes in supporting leaders who understand how important it is to:
•    work together to invest in creating jobs and fixing our economy
•    insure that everyone has access to quality, affordable health care
•    protect women’s health and reproductive freedom
•    build the best state education system in the world
•    preserve our unique environment
•    protect diversity and promote tolerance

For the 2008 election, the Coalition for Progress succeeded in helping to maintain and expand the progressive majority in the House of Representatives. Through the Coalition’s efforts, seven more progressive leaders are now in Lansing, including one incumbent. For more information, visit www.miprogresscoalition.org.

During the 2008 campaign, the Coalition produced an issue-based program that educated and empowered voters. The Coalition ran a positive, substantive campaign and did not resort to negative attacks. Through mail, phone and canvass efforts, the Coalition touched tens of thousands of voters, encouraging them to vote, educating them on the issues and inspiring citizens to take action in their community.

“This petition is just the first step in what will be an ongoing dialogue of educating voters on the issues they care about,” said Miller.  “Our first priority is creating jobs here in Michigan, but at the same time we’ll be holding Lansing accountable on the variety of other issues important to our members.   We hope Lansing takes notice.”