Michigan Moves to Strengthen Barriers Between Legislators and Lobbyists
In a bid to enhance the integrity of the political process, new legislation has been introduced in the Michigan House aimed at increasing the separation between lawmakers and lobbyists. The proposed bills are designed to impose a cooling-off period for lawmakers and senior public officials before they can transition into lobbying roles.
The legislation stipulates that individuals such as lawmakers, the governor, and department heads must wait a minimum of two years after leaving office before they can become lobbyists. This initiative is co-sponsored by Representative Jerry Neyer (R-Shepherd), who expressed concerns about the immediate transition of officials from public office to lobbying positions.
“The biggest concern at all is, there is, especially when you get to lame duck and people are being term limited out; they’re looking for that next job. And they’re an easy target for lobbyists,” Neyer said.
In addition to the cooling-off period, the legislation also aims to prevent current lawmakers from lobbying other state governments. This provision has gained traction, particularly following an incident involving a former state lawmaker who lobbied for the National Popular Vote campaign while still serving in Michigan. For more details on this incident, visit this link.
The push for these reforms is not new, as similar efforts have been made previously. Last year, a bill sponsored by Democrats proposed a one-year cooling-off period, but it did not progress beyond the House committee stage. Despite bipartisan attempts, such initiatives have struggled to gain traction in the past.
Neyer believes the current political landscape offers a better chance for success, with Republicans now in control of the House. “Especially when we have a Republican House and a Democratic Senate, there’s going to be more of an effort to make these issues bipartisan,” Neyer remarked.
Republican leadership in the House has repeatedly emphasized the importance of government transparency, with this legislation being a focal point in their discussions. To review the proposed bills, see the documents for lawmakers and high-level public officials.
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