LANSING – Oakland County Representatives today announced a package of government reforms that will close the revolving door between lobbying groups and lawmakers, force elected officials to disclose their finances and dock lawmakers' pay for each day of session they miss. The Democratic lawmakers also called on the Republican-controlled Senate to pass 10 percent salary cuts for lawmakers, a measure passed by the House two weeks ago.
"Taxpayers shouldn't have to pay legislators who don't show up for work – it's that simple," said State Representative Lisa Brown (D-West Bloomfield), who introduced the plan to reduce lawmakers' pay every time they miss a day of House session. "It sets a terrible example when politicians routinely miss work, yet continue to collect a paycheck. It's one of the first rules we all learn when we enter the workforce: If you don't work, you don't get paid."
The government reform plan introduced today will:
- End the revolving door between lawmakers and lobbying firms by prohibiting legislators from becoming lobbyists for two years after leaving office.
- Increase financial disclosure requirements to require candidates for elected office and state officials to submit personal financial statements and reports to the Bureau of Elections.
- Dock lawmakers' pay each time that they miss a day of House session.
"These long-overdue reforms are a step in the right direction," said State Representative Vicki Barnett (D-Farmington Hills). "People have lost confidence in the belief that their elected officials are working for them. This plan shows that lawmakers are committed to transparency and to sharing the sacrifices our working families are making every day."
The lawmakers also called on the Senate to take action on a plan to cut the salaries of lawmakers and other elected
officials by 10 percent. The House passed the plan with overwhelming bipartisan support two weeks ago.
A plan to increase financial disclosure by requiring legislators to make their earnings public by placing their sources
of income online also was introduced in the package. Michigan is one of only three states that do not require financial
disclosure from its elected officials.
"As it stands, Michigan is one of only three states in the nation that does not require any kind of financial disclosure report from its state legislators," said State Representative Marie Donigan (D-Royal Oak). "Increasing transparency and disclosure will ensure our elected officials are focusing on the things we need to move Michigan forward."
"It is imperative that we restore the people's confidence in state government," said State Representative Tim Melton (D-Pontiac). "The residents of this state have the right to know that when their State Representative votes, they are doing what is best for the people, and not the special interests or their own personal gain. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the Legislature to pass these common-sense plans so we can work on making Michigan a great place to live and raise a family."