LANSING – State Representative Joel
Sheltrown (D-West Branch) today voted to approve a
10 percent cut in the salaries of Michigan's lawmakers and other elected officials, and called on the Senate to do more
to hold legislators accountable and share in the sacrifices being asked of the people of Michigan.
"Approving these pay cuts shows our residents we are willing to lead by example," Sheltrown said. "We are walking the walk by cutting our salaries. Our residents shouldn't be the only ones who have had to tighten their belts during this economic downturn."
Earlier this month the State Officers Compensation Commission (SOCC), the body in charge of determining legislator salaries, voted to recommend a 10 percent pay cut for lawmakers, the Lieutenant Governor, the Attorney General and the Secretary of State. The SOCC's recommendation went before the House and Senate for a full vote and was passed by each chamber to make it official.
Sheltrown also called on the Senate to take action on additional government reforms that recently passed the House, including plans to:
- Dock lawmakers' pay each time they miss a day of session with an unexcused absence.
- Prohibit legislators from becoming lobbyists for two years after leaving office, effectively ending the revolving door between lawmakers and lobbying firms.
- Require certain state officials and candidates for elected office to disclose their personal finances to the Bureau of Elections.
"I urge the Senate to pass these reforms quickly so we can ensure all officials are working on behalf of our residents," Sheltrown said. "Lawmakers shouldn't be paid for not working, and our finances should be open to the public. The package ensures our residents are our top priority."