LANSING – In a letter sent to legislative leaders, Vicki Barnett (D-Farmington Hills) and other members of the House Bipartisan Freshman Caucus on Wednesday called on Lansing leadership to impart a new sense of urgency in resolving Michigan's fiscal crisis. Barnett also renewed her call to dock legislators' pay when they fail to pass the state budget on time.
"If people don't get the job done, they don't get paid – that's called accountability," Barnett said. "A prolonged budget battle hurts our communities and schools. We need to focus on attracting new businesses and investment to Michigan to create jobs. It's time to put the political games aside and do what is best for the people of Michigan. "
On Wednesday, the House Bipartisan Freshman Caucus sent a letter to the Governor, House Speaker Andy Dillon (D-Redford Township), Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop (R-Rochester), House Minority Leader Kevin Elsenheimer (R-Bellaire) and Senate Minority Leader Mike Prusi (D-Ishpeming) calling for an immediate budget resolution.
The "No Budget, No Pay" constitutional amendment amends Michigan's Constitution to dock Representatives, Senators, the Governor and the Lieutenant Governor one day's pay for every day the state budget remains unbalanced past the Oct. 1 deadline. A bipartisan group of legislators unveiled the amendment at the beginning of this month.