LANSING – In an effort to help resolve Michigan's financial crisis, Genesee's Democratic state representatives today announced historic cuts to the state legislative budget to ensure that lawmakers share in the sacrifices residents are being asked to make in Michigan's tough economic times. The cuts include ending lifelong health care for lawmakers and cutting the House budget.
"We all have to make sacrifices to turn our state's economy around, and that includes lawmakers," said State Representative Richard Hammel (D-Mt. Morris Township). "Now more than ever, legislators must lead by example."
State Representative Brenda Clack (D-Flint) said: "Our residents are already sacrificing as they struggle to make ends meet in these tough times. I want our residents to know that lawmakers will not sit on the sidelines as others make tough decisions.""This is just one piece of the big job we have ahead of us," said State Representative Ted Hammon (D-Burton). "In the coming weeks, House Democrats will continue working on solutions to Michigan's budget crisis. However, we are starting in our own House – the State House – to help get Michigan back on track."
The House Democratic plan will:- End lifetime health care coverage for new State Representatives once they leave office and require current lawmakers to pay more for health care, ending the special treatment they get and ensuring they pay the same for health care that other state employees pay.
- Increase monthly health care co-pays for State Representatives, their staff members and other legislative workers.
- Cut the budget for the House of Representatives by more than 5 percent.
- Ban the use of state funds for out-of-state travel for State Representatives.
- Cut positions within the House of Representatives to eliminate redundancies.
"Michigan's financial crisis threatens our state's future in so many ways," said State Representative Lee Gonzales (D-Flint Township). "As problem solvers, it's our duty to work together to find creative solutions."