CANTON TWP. – State Representatives Dian Slavens (D-Canton) and Marc Corriveau
(D-Northville) today announced a package of government reforms that will close the revolving door between lobbying groups and lawmakers, force elected officials to disclose their finances and dock lawmakers' pay for each day of session they miss. The pair also called on the Republican-controlled Senate to pass 10 percent salary cuts for lawmakers, a measure passed by the House two weeks ago."These common-sense reforms are needed to ensure that our elected officials are focusing on our top priorities – creating good-paying jobs for our workers and getting our economy back on track," Slavens said. "Our residents deserve to have confidence that the lawmakers working on their behalf have their best interests at heart every time they cast a vote in Lansing. These changes will crack down on conflicts of interest and make sure that the people come first – not special interests."
The government reform plan introduced today will:
End the revolving door between lawmakers and lobbying firms by prohibiting legislators from becoming lobbyists for two years after leaving office.
Increase financial disclosure requirements to require candidates for elected office and state officials to submit personal financial statements and reports to the Bureau of Elections.
Dock lawmakers' pay each time that they miss a day of House session.
"Lawmakers who don't show up for work don't deserve to get paid," said Corriveau, who had a perfect voting record in the 2007-2008 legislative session. "It's an honor and a privilege to serve in the Michigan House of Representatives. The residents we represent have put their faith in us, and we can't let them down. Docking the pay of lawmakers who don't show up to do their job is the right and fair thing to do."