UP Gazette

State Representative Karl Bohnak has voiced his support for House Joint Resolution M, a proposal that would halt pay for Michigan lawmakers if they fail to approve a state budget by the July 1 deadline. The resolution was introduced as a measure to encourage timely completion of the budget process.

“I came to Lansing to get things done, and that starts with finishing a state budget on time,” said Bohnak, R-Deerton. “It’s been incredibly frustrating to see a lack of urgency from my fellow lawmakers as we try to finalize a bipartisan budget so our schools, critical services, and local units of government can begin to prepare for next year. If I had just stopped doing the weather but still showed up to collect my check, there is no way I would’ve kept getting paid. Similarly, politicians in Lansing shouldn’t keep getting a check after a critical deadline has long passed. I was proud to support this effort to stop rewarding lawmakers who just aren’t doing their job.”

The plan called for an amendment to the Michigan Constitution and needed two-thirds approval in both legislative chambers. The measure did not pass in the House because it did not receive enough bipartisan backing.