LANSING – House Democrats 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. House Democrats also called on the Republican-controlled Senate to pass 10 percent salary cuts for lawmakers, a measure passed by the House two weeks ago.
"These much-needed reforms will help reduce the influence of special interests in Lansing and restore faith in our state government," said State Representative Tim Bledsoe (D-Grosse Pointe). "Our government needs to be more responsive to the needs of Michigan families instead of pandering to powerful lobbyists and special interest groups."
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.
"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."
State Representative Jennifer Haase (D-Richmond) introduced a
plan to cut the salaries of lawmakers and other elected officials by 10 percent. The legislation passed two weeks ago
and awaits action in the Senate.
"Our hard-working residents have been doing more with less in these tough times, and we must do the same here in
Lansing," Haase said. "Many residents have lost their jobs or their homes, and are facing some very painful choices.
It's time our Legislature leads by example and shares in the pain by tightening our own belts like so many of the
Michigan families we represent."
State Representative Kate Ebli (D-Monroe) introduced a plan to increase financial disclosure by requiring legislators to make their earnings public by placing their sources of income online. Michigan is one of only three states that do not require financial disclosure from its elected officials.
"If we truly want to restore the public's trust in their government, we must shine a bright spotlight on our elected officials," Ebli said. "The public has a right to know that when we cast a vote, it is in their best interest and not for personal financial gain. Making elected officials' finances publicly available will help uncover any potential conflicts of interests and hold lawmakers accountable to the people they represent. Increasing transparency and disclosure will force politicians to focus on the issues that matter to Michigan families, like creating good-paying jobs and getting our economy back on track."