LANSING – After Wednesday's rejection of the Reform Michigan Government Now (RMGN) ballot proposal by the Michigan Court of Appeals, State Representative Mike Simpson (D-Jackson) today demanded action from the Republican-led Senate on a package of reforms designed to cut state spending and restore Michigan residents' confidence in government. Since the proposal will not appear on the ballot to give Michigan residents the opportunity to vote for change, it is incumbent upon the Legislature to enact much-needed reforms.
"Lawmakers aren't special – we don't deserve special treatment," Simpson said. "In these difficult economic times, we should be the first ones to make sacrifices. Working families are struggling across Michigan every day – these reforms are the least we can do to help get our state back on track. It's time for the Senate to stand up for working families and pass these reforms."
A series of reforms, which passed the House in March 2007, would:
- Cut lawmakers' salaries by 5 percent.
- End free lifetime health care benefits for lawmakers.
- End the revolving door between the Legislature and lobbyists by prohibiting lawmakers from becoming lobbyists for one year after leaving office.
With the passage of these reforms, Simpson delivered on a promise made at the beginning of 2006 that they would raise ethics standards in the House to help restore residents' trust in government. The far-reaching RMGN ballot proposal also included these reforms, among other cost-cutting measures.
"We passed these reforms over a year ago – they have been sitting in the Senate collecting dust ever since," Simpson said. "Our residents' trust in government is at a low point, and we must work to regain that trust. Passing these reforms is a step in that direction."