LANSING – In a move to help resolve the state's unprecedented fiscal crisis, House Democrats today introduced a plan that will decrease lawmaker salaries by 5 percent, which would save the state more than a half million dollars a year.
"Michigan's lawmakers must lead by example," said House Speaker Andy Dillon (D-Redford Twp.). "Our citizens are making tough sacrifices to help jumpstart Michigan's economy and get our state turned around. It's only right that our lawmakers share in those sacrifices. We are asking our legislators to take a 5 percent pay cut that will save the state more than a half million dollars."
Michigan's lawmakers currently earn $79,850 annually. House Democrats introduced a resolution calling on the State Officers Compensation Commission, the body in charge of determining legislator salaries, asking for a decrease in lawmaker's salaries by 5 percent beginning with the 2009-10 legislative year. The salary cut would save the state $597,741.
In addition, House Democrats also passed a plan thatcaps local superintendents' total compensation so it does not exceed the Governor's compensation, ends free cars for local superintendents, and eliminates "double-dipping" for retired public education and state employees by requiring them to freeze their pensions if they come back to work for the state to avoid being paid twice for the same job.
The Governor currently earns $177,000 each year. Several school district superintendents currently earn more than the Governor, including the superintendents of Detroit City School District, Troy School District, Macomb County ISD, Wayne RESA, Bloomfield Hills School District, Grand Rapids Public Schools, Lake Orion Community Schools, Utica Community Schools, Rochester Community School District, Ovid-Else Area Schools.
"Michigan is facing an unprecedented fiscal crisis," said Mary Valentine (D-Norton Shores). "As we go through the budget with a fine-tooth comb looking for areas to cut and restructure, I believe it is our responsibility as elected officials to start with our own house – the State House. This budget crisis affects all Michigan citizens and we must all share in the sacrifices necessary to move our state forward."