2008 House Bill 6722

Borrow for job training programs

Introduced in the House

Nov. 19, 2008

Introduced by Rep. Joan Bauer (D-68)

To authorize $10 million in new government debt to pay for job training subsidies for particular employers. This would allow the state (the Michigan Strategic Fund) to borrow to pay for training a particular employer’s new hires. The principle and interest would be repaid by means of the state "capturing" a portion of the income tax that the particular employer withholds from the pay of new employees. In essence, the subsidy would be paid out of the state general fund.

Referred to the Committee on Education

Dec. 2, 2008

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (H-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

Dec. 3, 2008

Substitute offered

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that revises details but does not change the substance of the bill as previously described.

The substitute passed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. Matthew Gillard (D-106)

To require all the foregone tax revenue that goes into paying the debt service on these subsidies to come from the state general fund, and none from the school aid fund.

The amendment passed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. Richard Hammel (D-48)

To tie-bar the bill to House Bill 6185 and Senate Bill 1342, meaning this bill cannot become law unless those ones do also. Those bills would authorize essentially the same type of subsidy program but with the training provided by community colleges only.

Consideration postponed

Passed in the House 75 to 34 (details)

To authorize $10 million in new government debt to pay for job training subsidies for particular employers. This would allow the state (the Michigan Strategic Fund) to borrow to pay for training a particular employer’s new hires. The principle and interest would be repaid by means of the state "capturing" a portion of the income tax that the particular employer withholds from the pay of new employees. In essence, the subsidy would be paid out of the state general fund.

Received in the Senate

Dec. 4, 2008

Referred to the Committee on Commerce and Tourism