Gieleghem unveils H.I.R.E. Plan to give workers first chance at jobs, invest in renewable energy, and offer incentives and lending to encourage investment and growth
ROSEVILLE, MI– State Senate candidate Paul Gieleghem today called on Tory Rocca
to condemn companies that send good Michigan jobs out of state, and demanded
that the state Senate stand up for Michigan workers and pass Hire Michigan
First. Gieleghem also unveiled his H.I.R.E. Plan to create jobs in Michigan.
Gieleghem made his announcement at I.F. Metalworks in Roseville, a metal
fabrication company whose products range from automotive, ornamental and
architectural to military and renewable energy. Gieleghem met Karen Arondoski,
owner and president of, I.F. Metalworks, as part of a Macomb County Business
Outreach Initiative developed by the Board of Commissioners. Gieleghem worked
closely with the Planning and Economic Development Department to provide
Arondoski, with technical assistance to expand her business.
“As Chairman of the Macomb County Board of Commissioners, Paul Gieleghem took an active interest in the success of Michigan manufacturing and met with us several times to discuss the needs of our industry,” said Karen Arondoski, Owner and President of I.F. Metalworks.
“We’ve worked hard to diversify our business beyond automotive to defense and
architectural concentrations. Paul understands the challenges that face small
businesses like ours and has solid ideas on how to help expand Michigan’s
economy.”
“Working on the County Commission, I have seen firsthand the effects of
outsourcing on our families and our local economy,” said Gieleghem. “If Tory
Rocca understood the needs of our manufacturing business he would join me in
standing up against outsourcing and for Michigan workers . “State government has
to do more and work with investors and entrepreneurs so their businesses can
have a chance to succeed and create good jobs. It’s time for the state Senate to
put families and workers ahead of politics and pass the Hire Michigan First
legislation.”
The H.I.R.E. Plan stands for:
· Hire Michigan First:Make sure state tax incentives go to companies
that are creating Michigan jobs, and eliminate state contracts and end tax
breaks for businesses that outsource jobs or hire illegal workers.
· Incentives:Provide incentives to help companies expand in Michigan and
attract new businesses and help projects like the Macomb/Oakland University
Defense Incubator, and make sure that proper background checks are done on these
companies and that they are meeting benchmarks and creating the jobs they
promised.
· Renewable Energy:Invest in and promote renewable energy such as wind,
solar and advanced battery production that builds on our manufacturing
experience to create jobs now for Michigan workers.
· Employment:Establish a state-operated Michigan Development Bank to
increase lending for small businesses to help them create jobs. The Michigan
Development Bank could offer small business loans to generate economic activity
and help companies get started, grow, and create jobs.
“If the voters elect me to the State Senate, job creation and making sure that
our workers are trained and ready for these new jobs will be top on my agenda,”
said Gieleghem. “Elected officials need to do the people’s work and that means
keeping businesses here, bringing new companies into our communities, and
creating good jobs for all of our workers.”
Paul Gieleghem is a lifelong resident of Clinton Township. He has served as a
State Representative for the 31st House District, and currently serves as the
chair of the Macomb County Board of Commissioners. As a county commissioner,
Paul has balanced the budget so that the county lives within its means and makes
wise use of taxpayers’ dollars. Paul will fight to make state government more
efficient, make Michigan and Macomb County more attractive to new businesses and
jobs, and protect the middle class so that hardworking families can enjoy a good
quality of life. He and his wife, Sara, are the parents of two daughters.
