LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Michigan voters will have a say on a variety of proposals in the November 8 general election, including Proposal 1.

The Voters for Transparency and Term Limits initiative looks to amend Michigan’s constitution and reduce the maximum length a lawmaker can serve in the Legislature from 14 years to 12 years. However, it would allow them to serve the full tenure in one chamber.

MORE NEWS: A New Adventure at Sailors Old Growth Pines

Michigan has term limits, but the proposal seeks term limit reforms. Currently, lawmakers can serve up to six years in the Michigan House and eight years in the Senate.

In addition, Proposal 1 would require state lawmakers, the governor, the secretary of state, and the state attorney general to disclose certain financial information. This includes description of assets, sources of all forms of income, description of liabilities, positions held outside their elected office, arrangements regarding future employment, continuing benefits from former employers other than the state, and payments and gifts received from lobbyists.

Rich Studley, former CEO of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce and Co-chair of the Voters for Transparency and Term Limits initiative told “The Steve Gruber Show” on Friday that the proposal is backed by businesses, labor groups, Republicans, and Democrats.

“Michigan is one of only two states in the country that has no public financial disclosure requirements for state officers,” Studley said. “The other provision is to retain [and] reform term limits. This proposal lowers the number of years a politician can work in Lansing as a lawmaker but it retains and strengthen term limits.”

However, not everyone supports Proposal 1. “Trucker” Randy Bishop, a radio host, said everyone should vote “no” on this proposal in November.

“Basically you’re doubling the amount of time they can serve in the House from six years to twelve, and you’re multiplying the Senate’s capability potential by one-and a half. They go from 8 years to twelve,” Bishop said.
“You’re extending their ability to basically be incumbents, get re-elected, get all this special interest money in their re-election campaigns, and defeat any primary challenger. It’s the worst idea that’s ever come down the pike.”

MORE NEWS: Old Newspaper Box Transformed into Narcan Dispenser at Western Michigan University

Michigan voters will get their chance to weigh in on Proposal 1 when they head to the polls on November 8.