Michigan Lawmaker Proposes Withholding Legislator Pay to Pressure Budget Passage

Strategic Insights -

State Rep. Cam Cavitt sponsored a plan to withhold legislator pay if a state budget is not signed into law by the statutory July 1 deadline. The proposal, House Joint Resolution M, requires two-thirds support in both the state House and Senate to amend the Michigan Constitution. Despite Cavitt's efforts, the measure failed to meet the required threshold due to a lack of Democrat support.

Key Takeaways:

  • State Rep. Cam Cavitt (R-Cheboygan) sponsored House Joint Resolution M, which would suspend legislator pay if a state budget is not signed into law by July 1.
  • The proposal requires a two-thirds majority in both the state House and Senate to amend the Michigan Constitution.
  • The measure failed to pass in the House due to a lack of Democrat support.
  • Cavitt expressed frustration with the Michigan Senate's failure to pass a budget, blaming them for "sitting on their hands" while the House is ready to negotiate.
  • Cavitt suggested that withholding lawmaker pay could be an effective way to pressure the Senate to act on the budget.
  • The budget deadline is July 1, and failure to pass a budget would put schools and critical services at increased risk for next year.

Statistics:

  • 1 in 10 lawmakers (10%) stood to lose pay if the proposal had passed, as per Cavitt's estimate.
  • 27 lawmakers, excluding Cavitt, voted against the proposal.
  • The proposal required 2/3 (67%) support in both the state House and Senate.
  • The July 1 deadline for passing a state budget has been stated as a critical milestone.

Sources:

  • Michigan House of Representatives
  • State Rep. Cam Cavitt (R-Cheboygan)