Acting to restore Michigan residents' faith in state government, House Democrats passed a package of government reforms that will close the revolving door between lobbying groups and lawmakers, force elected officials to disclose their personal finances and dock lawmakers' pay for each day of session they miss. The plan is awaiting action in the Republican-controlled Senate.
"Our residents deserve a state government that works for them," said Majority Floor Leader Kathy Angerer (Dundee), Chair of the House Ethics and Elections Committee. "When lawmakers miss work or put special interests or personal agendas ahead of their communities, they are doing a great disservice to our residents. These simple reforms will ensure lawmakers are held accountable, and that they always put the people of Michigan first."
The Michigan House passed 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.
"Taxpayers shouldn't have to pay legislators who don't show up for work – it's that simple," said State Representative Lisa Brown (West Bloomfield), who introduced the plan to reduce lawmakers' pay every time they miss a day of session. "It sets a terrible example when politicians routinely miss work, yet continue to collect a paycheck. And when lawmakers aren't present to vote on behalf of their residents they are cheating their communities out of their voice at the Capitol."