For Immediate Release: November 30, 2009
Bouchard lays out more specific changes:
“A part-time Legislature is a step in the right direction for fixing Lansing”
Oakland County- Mike Bouchard, Republican candidate for governor and former state legislator, calls for a part-time legislature in Lansing.
“It is obvious that Lansing is broken. For me, it is a Return on Investment move (ROI). We are one of the few states left in America that still has a full-time legislature. And yet, the state’s budget process almost sent our government into shutdown for the second time in three years. Having a part-time legislature will ensure that our lawmakers focus on priorities vital to Michigan,” Bouchard said.
Bouchard’s plan would have the legislature meet a total of 120 days every other year. Additionally, the term limit that now allows an individual to serve six years in the House and eight years in the Senate for a total of 14 years would be changed to allow one to serve a total of only 12 years, which they could serve in any combination between the two chambers. This will eliminate the incentive to jump chambers and encourage members to build relationships both across the aisle and between chambers. The proposal would also permanently eliminate all future members of the legislature from getting taxpayer funded health care coverage or pensions.
In September, Bouchard called for other systemic reforms, including to the annual budget process. Under Bouchard’s budget plan, a balanced budget must be in place by May 15th. Until then, no other non-essential legislation may be considered. The budget adopted would be a two-year rolling budget with a three-year look out that would be independently verified for accuracy. For every day after May 15th that the budget is not in place, the Governor and all legislators would be docked a day’s pay.
“Our budget is in a continual state of crisis. Just over a month ago, State Troopers were being laid off. During that time, a few legislators introduced a bill to allow former legislator’s funerals to receive a police escort from the Michigan State Police,” Bouchard added. “We lead the Midwest in violent crimes and have the lowest number of police officers per capita. Funding for lawmakers to have a police funeral escort while our state is hemorrhaging clearly shows priorities in Lansing are out of whack. It is time to fix Lansing so Michigan can get back to work.”
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Paid for by Mike Bouchard for Governor
P.O. Box 1433
Royal Oak, MI 48068
Hello,
I completely support the part time legislation idea by Mr. Bouchard, and it is about time. I am also really excited at the hope of getting a republican back in the governors office. But some of the issues that are more important to me. That I would like to see addressed are this. What is Mr. Bouchard going to do to fix the states financial support of our public education system? The public schools are seeing a fluctuating and ever declining amount of financial support from the state. Yet the schools expenses are not going down. So how will Mr. Bouchard change this to ensure that our children have access to a great education?
My next question for Mr. Bouchard would pertain to public safety. We see all to frequently random acts of violence taking place. No where is safe any more. But at the same time under Gov. Granholm’s watch. We see one hundred state troopers laid off. Many other of the various law enforcement agencies are having to make cuts as well. We all understand that we live during tough economic times. But if we cannot educate our children to help change Michigan’s future. Or if we cannot ensure a simple trip to the bus stop or a day at the office. Won’t result in a loss of life or permanent injury. How as voters are we seeing a return on our investment? These are just some of the questions I would have for Mr. Bouchard. I also have some suggestions. I look forward to hearing Mr. Bouchard’s point of view. Thank you and best wishes to Mr. Bouchard.