LANSING – In a letter sent to legislative leaders, a bipartisan group of freshman lawmakers on Wednesday called on Lansing leadership to impart a new sense of urgency in resolving Michigan's fiscal crisis. The group also renewed its call to dock legislators' pay when they fail to pass the state budget on time.
"It's appalling that the Legislature failed to enact a balanced budget in a timely manner – a delay that burdens our residents, local governments and schools," said State Representative Jennifer Haase (D-Richmond). "There's just too much at stake in Michigan to let political bickering disrupt any efforts to do what's best for our residents and to move our state forward. It's time for our leaders in Lansing to get to work and get the job done – and if they can't they shouldn't get paid."
The group on Wednesday sent a letter to the Governor, House Speaker Andy Dillon (D-Redford Township), Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop (R-Rochester), House Minority Leader Kevin Elsenheimer (R-Bellaire) and Senate Minority Leader Mike Prusi (D-Ishpeming) calling for an immediate budget resolution.
"When we fail to pass a balanced budget on time we are hurting our residents, our schools, and our entire state," said State Representative Lesia Liss (D-Warren). "If elected officials can't find a way to do their jobs and balance the state budget, they don't deserve to get paid. Legislators must be held accountable."
The "No Budget, No Pay" constitutional amendment will change Michigan's Constitution to dock Representative, Senators, the Governor and the Lieutenant Governor one day's pay for every day the state budget remains unbalanced past the Oct. 1 deadline.
"Michigan already was embarrassed by a government shutdown in 2007 and we had a short shutdown again this year – this is simply unacceptable," said State Representative Sarah Roberts (D-St. Clair Shores). "We need to pass a constitutional amendment that will ensure lawmakers meet deadlines and keep our state running efficiently and effectively for our residents."