LANSING – State Representatives Deb Kennedy (D-Brownstown) and Andrew Kandrevas (D-Southgate) 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 lawmakers 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 are simple reforms that are long overdue," Kennedy said. "Our job is to represent our communities and be responsive to the needs of our residents – not powerful special interest groups or lobbyists. These common-sense reforms will help fix our Legislature and return it to the people, where it belongs."
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.
"The legislative process must be transparent and accountable in order for residents to have faith in their government," Kandrevas said. "Citizens have a right to expect their lawmakers to focus on working for them and representing their interests first and foremost. These changes will help restore integrity to the Legislature and help Michigan move forward."