LANSING – After Wednesday's rejection of the Reform Michigan Government Now (RMGN) ballot proposal by the Michigan Court of Appeals, State Representative Mary Valentine (D-Norton Shores) 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.
"Over a year ago the House passed a plan for cost-cutting, comprehensive reforms to hold lawmakers to the highest ethical standards," Valentine said. "After all this time, the plan is still sitting in the Senate awaiting action. Our residents are tired of the culture of corruption. The Senate needs to take action now."
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, Valentine 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.
"As members of the Michigan Legislature, my colleagues and I are here to serve the people and we must lead by example," Valentine said. "Our plan makes it clear that we are working for our residents' best interests – creating jobs now and boosting Michigan's economy. It is now time for the Senate to put our residents first and take action to reform our government and restore integrity to the Legislature."