LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Michigan Rep. James DeSana (R-Carleton) wants lawmakers clocking in at minimum wage, not cashing in as career politicians.
DeSana introduced a House Joint Resolution that would only pay state lawmakers for the time they actually work for their constituents. Legislators would earn the current minimum wage – $13.73 per hour – and only be paid for the hours they attend official House sessions and committee meetings.
“Our state legislators should not be treated like career politicians with guaranteed salaries regardless of performance,” DeSana said. “We should be held to the same standards as the hardworking men and women we represent.” DeSana continued, “If we expect Michigan families to live within their means, legislators should do the same. We must restore public trust by ensuring taxpayers only pay lawmakers for the actual work they do.”
In addition, DeSana said lawmakers would be eligible for mileage reimbursement each day they travel to Lansing for official House sessions. Currently, they only receive compensation for one trip per session week.
Michigan House representatives earn a base salary of $71,685 per year.
This is not the first time Rep. DeSana has worked to streamline Lansing. In February, he introduced a House Joint Resolution that would transition Michigan’s Legislature from full-time to part-time.
