LANSING – After Wednesday's rejection of the Reform Michigan Government Now (RMGN) ballot proposal by the Michigan Court of Appeals, State Representative Kate Ebli (D-Monroe) 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.
"My colleagues in the House and I passed this plan over a year ago, and it is still sitting in the Senate collecting dust," Ebli said. "These are simple, comprehensive reforms that will create a leaner, more efficient government while holding our lawmakers to the highest ethical standards. The people of Monroe County and citizens across the state know their government has stopped listening to them. Our plan ensures elected officials are working for our residents – not special interests."
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, Ebli 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.
"Our residents are making tough sacrifices every day, and we as lawmakers must share some of the burden and lead by example," Ebli said. "By passing these reforms, we can focus on issues that truly matter in Michigan – creating good-paying jobs for our workers and rebuilding our economy. The Senate must put our residents first and take action to restore their confidence in the Legislature."