LANSING – Macomb County lawmakers today voted in favor of a plan that will bring much-needed reforms to state government and hold legislators accountable. The plan now heads to the Senate.
"Elected officials must lead by example, especially during economic times like these," said State Representative Jon Switalski (D-Warren). "By holding lawmakers to a higher standard we can ensure our residents' best interests come before the special interests. This is a fair plan that will make certain Michigan government truly works for the people."
The Michigan House today passed three measures that will:
- Prohibit legislators from becoming lobbyists for two years after leaving office, effectively ending the revolving door between lawmakers and lobbying firms.
- Dock lawmakers' pay each time they miss a day of session with an unexcused absence.
- Require certain state officials and candidates for elected office to disclose their personal finances to the Bureau of Elections.
"Our reform plan aims to restore residents' faith in government and ensure elected officials are focused on the issues that really matter – creating good-paying jobs and bolstering our economy," said State Representative Fred Miller (D-Mount Clemens). "This plan will reduce the sway of special interests and make sure lawmakers only get paid for working on behalf of the people of Michigan. It is a step in the right direction toward moving our state forward."
The measures that passed the House today are part of an on-going effort by the Michigan House to bring much-needed reform to state government. In February, the House approved a resolution proposed by State Representative Jennifer Haase (D-Richmond) that called on the State Officers Compensation Commission (SOCC), the body in charge of determining legislator salaries, to cut the salaries of lawmakers and other elected officials by 10 percent. The SOCC earlier this month voted to recommend the pay cut for elected officials. That legislation is awaiting action in the Senate.
"It's only right that our state leaders tighten their belts along with our working families in these tough times," Haase said. "With so many of our fellow residents out of work or struggling to make ends meet, legislators should have to make sacrifices, too. We must all work together to move Michigan in the right direction."
In addition to the plan that passed the House today, State Representative Sarah Roberts
(D-St. Clair Shores) in February introduced an additional reform that prohibits members of the Legislature
from applying for or accepting grants from the state while they are in office.
"My plan will make it perfectly clear that it is not acceptable for legislators to request or receive a state grant while still in office," Roberts said. "Currently, Michigan law prohibits legislators from having a personal interest in state contracts while they are in office. However, the law doesn't mention legislators accepting grant money from the State."