LANSING – In an effort to further rein in government spending, State Representative Mary Valentine (D-Norton Shores) joined the Michigan House of Representatives today and passed a plan that prohibits state employees from using taxpayer-financed vehicles for personal use.
"The unprecedented budget crisis that has taken hold of Michigan has placed us in a position that makes it fiscally irresponsible to provide high-ranking state employees free cars," Valentine said. "While our economy is struggling, it is critical that we save money wherever we can. Cutting state spending and ending special perks such as taxpayer-funded cars for state employees' personal use is a start."
The plan was proposed after House Democrats learned that the Supreme Court and Appeals Court judges and their staffs were given taxpayer-funded vehicles as part of their jobs, and that these cars were used for personal errands, such as shopping trips, golf outings and even vacations. The plan that passed the House also extends banning the personal use of state vehicles to the auditor general, directors of state agencies, and other state employees.
A Detroit Free Press special report earlier this year found that the state spent more than $400,000 a year on taxpayer-funded vehicles for seven Supreme Court justices, 28 Appeals Court judges and 10 court staff members. The state spent nearly $49,000 on taxpayer-funded vehicles for the auditor general and directors of state agencies, according to the Michigan Department of Management and Budget. Eliminating these taxpayer-funded vehicles saves the state nearly $500,000 a year, based on spending in previous years.
In addition, the savings generated through a new state program that reimburses judiciary employees for work-related miles instead of providing vehicles for them is roughly estimated to save $259,100 a year, according to the nonpartisan House Fiscal Agency.
"These are difficult times for many of our taxpayers. The last thing we should do is ask them to make even more sacrifices," Valentine said. "Ending the perk of free cars is the right thing to do for the people of Michigan."