Reps. Johnson, Terry Brown, Constan, Dean, Geiss, Gonzales, Lemmons, Liss, Lori, McMillin, Miller, Rogers, Sheltrown, Stanley, Switalski, Valentine, Lisa Brown, Cushingberry, Durhal, Haugh, Leland, Neumann and Roberts offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 108.

            A resolution to memorialize Congress to provide that companies that receive tax breaks or other incentives and then move American jobs to other countries lose all governmental benefits.

            Whereas, It is a common practice at virtually all levels of government for governmental bodies to extend tax breaks or to develop other incentives to help companies of all types to grow and to encourage the creation of jobs. These policies range not only from generous tax credits, but also to partnerships that train workers, assist in relocation, and meet a wide range of business needs. Some of these federal, state, or local programs have proven quite successful; and

            Whereas, It is increasingly frustrating to learn of companies that have received various benefits from government that then take actions that kill jobs at facilities in this country and send jobs to plants or offices in other countries. The recent announcement made by American Axle that it is sending some 500 jobs to one of its operations in Mexico is an example of the worst of this practice; and

            Whereas, With local units and states competing vigorously by offering a variety of packages of tax incentives and other benefits, the only effective way to address abuses is with federal action. While some states include "claw back" provisions requiring companies to repay subsidies if conditions are not met, there clearly needs to be universal enforcement of this concept; and

            Whereas, When a governmental body extends tax or other benefits to a corporation, it is an expression of public trust in the company, a commitment from the people. When a company breaks this trust and acts without respect for these bonds, damage is done in ways that cannot be fully reflected in dollars. Companies taking such actions with some of their plants while still maintaining others that receive other benefits can be said to be using public help to finance the outsourcing of American jobs. This is wrong, no matter what level of government is involved; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we memorialize Congress to provide that companies that receive tax breaks or other incentives and then move American jobs to other countries lose all governmental benefits; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.