LANSING, Mich. — State Sen. Kevin Daley on Tuesday introduced constitutional amendment to withhold pay from lawmakers and the governor if a state budget is not passed in time for the annual budget deadline.
“This is a very simple measure. It says — quite plainly — that if we don’t do our job, then we don’t get paid,” said Daley, R-Lum, during remarks on the Senate floor. “Passing an annual budget is the most basic responsibility of the Legislature. Families, schools and our local communities are counting on us to deliver.”
Senate Joint Resolution E would amend the state constitution to prescribe the withholding of paychecks from legislators and the governor if the July 1 budget deadline is missed until a balanced state budget is passed and signed into law.
“Michiganders work hard every day. They show up, put in the hours and get the job done. They expect that from us. If we cannot do the most basic task that voters sent us to Lansing to complete, then we should not receive a paycheck funded by their hard-working tax dollars,” Daley said.
“In the real world, you don’t get paid if you don’t do your job. It should be no different in the state Capitol. It’s time to hold ourselves accountable. It’s time to pass a budget.”
The state’s fiscal year begins on Oct. 1.
