LANSING, Mich. — Sen. Roger Victory on Tuesday co-sponsored a constitutional amendment that would withhold pay from lawmakers and the governor if the state budget is not completed by the statutory July 1 deadline.
“Every worker in America must do their job to continue getting paid,” said Victory, R-Hudsonville. “Government should be no different. If lawmakers and the governor want to keep receiving their taxpayer-funded salaries, they need to show up to work, get the job done, and do so on time.”
Senate Joint Resolution E would amend the Michigan Constitution to require the Legislature to pass all general budget bills and for the governor to sign them by July 1 each year. If either branch fails to meet the deadline, both the governor and all sitting lawmakers would forgo their salaries until a deal is reached.
A similar resolution was introduced in the Michigan House of Representatives last month and received 70 yes votes.
“Schools and families shouldn’t be left wondering what their funding will look like when the year has already begun, and programs that people rely on shouldn’t be held in limbo,” Victory said. “A budget takes careful consideration, and getting our finances in order should be a top priority.
“We have a job to do, and it’s time we get it done.”
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