Detroit City Wire

State Sen. Kevin Daley has proposed a constitutional amendment that would withhold pay from Michigan legislators and the governor if they fail to pass a state budget by the annual 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.”

The proposed Senate Joint Resolution E would change the state constitution so that lawmakers and the governor would not receive their paychecks if the July 1 budget deadline is missed. Payment would be withheld 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.”

Michigan’s fiscal year begins on October 1 each year.