LANSING – In an effort to further rein in government spending, the Michigan House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a plan supported by State Representatives Richard E. Hammel (D-Mt. Morris Township) and Lee Gonzales (D-Flint Township) that prohibits state employees from using taxpayer-financed vehicles for personal use.
"There is no room in a fiscally responsible state budget for expensive perks like free cars for judges," Hammel said. "Ending these wasteful practices will free up more money for what really matters to our communities – strengthening our schools, increasing access to health care, and providing police and fire protection. Taxpayers work hard for their money, and this plan goes a long way toward making sure that tax dollars are used responsibly and wisely."
A Detroit Free Press special report earlier this year found that the state spent more than $400,000 a year on taxpayer-funded vehicles for seven Supreme Court justices, 28 Appeals Court judges and 10 court staff members. These vehicles often were used for personal errands, such as shopping trips, golf outings and even vacations.
The plan bans giving taxpayer-financed vehicles to judges for any use, and also extends banning the personal use of state vehicles to the auditor general, directors of state agencies, and other state employees.
In addition, the savings generated through a new state program that reimburses judiciary employees for work-related miles instead of providing vehicles for them is roughly estimated to save $259,100 a year, according to the nonpartisan House Fiscal Agency.
"Public servants aren't entitled to a free ride, especially while so many Michigan families are struggling to make ends meet," Gonzales said. "To move Michigan forward, we need to cut spending wherever we can so that we can use our resources on what really matters. People – not perks – must come first."