LANSING – After Wednesday's rejection of the Reform Michigan Government Now (RMGN) ballot proposal by the Michigan Court of Appeals, State Representative Marc Corriveau (D-Northville) 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.
"For more than a year, the Senate leadership has been stonewalling on these important cost-cutting reforms," Corriveau said. "In addition to streamlining state spending, these reforms will help restore our residents' faith in government by bringing integrity back into the Legislature. Our residents are tired of waiting for the Legislature to do the right thing – it's time for the Senate to act."
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, Corriveau 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.
"It's important for elected leaders to lead by example, which is why I voted to cut lawmakers' salaries and get rid of the costly perk of free lifetime health care for elected officials," Corriveau said. "Just as our working families are tightening their belts in these tough times, so must our leaders in Lansing. These reforms are the right thing to do. I call on the Senate to approve these bills so they can be signed into law."