Michigan GOP’s Failed Resolution to Withhold Lawmaker Pay Over Budget

This week, Michigan House Republicans proposed a resolution to pause lawmakers' paychecks during budget standoffs.
House votes against delaying lawmaker, governor paychecks if no budget

Political maneuvering took center stage in Michigan this week as House Republicans attempted a bold move to address ongoing budget stalemates. On Thursday, with minimal prior notice, they proposed a resolution aimed at halting pay for lawmakers and the governor when budget negotiations extend beyond the July 1 deadline.

This initiative, led by Republican House Speaker Matt Hall, sought to amend the Michigan Constitution to curtail future budget impasses. Hall emphasized the need for urgency in resolving budget issues, stating, “They have to have skin in the game in order to get the budget done. This will force the politicians to have the urgency to do it instead of jerking everyone around for months and months and months and walking away, like the Democrats did.” Despite the push, the resolution failed to secure the two-thirds majority needed to advance to the Michigan Senate.

While the proposal targeted future standoffs, it offered no immediate solution to the current budget crisis affecting schools and public institutions. The state is also approaching an October 1 deadline, risking a shutdown of nonessential services if a budget isn’t finalized.

The proposed resolution, House Joint Resolution M, would have allowed voters to decide on amending the state constitution to withhold pay if the budget stalls past July 1. This deadline, established to prevent budget deadlocks, currently lacks enforcement measures for those who miss it.

However, critics argue that the resolution was more about political messaging than practical solutions. The proposal was introduced and voted on the same day without committee hearings or public input, leading to skepticism about its seriousness. “The system isn’t broken. The system is being ignored,” noted observers who believe a collaborative approach is needed to address the current budget issues.

Meanwhile, House Democrats introduced a bill to prevent out-of-state National Guard troops from entering Michigan without gubernatorial or presidential orders, a move seen as a response to past federal deployments. State Representative Laurie Pohutsky expressed concerns about the potential misuse of military force, though the bill is unlikely to progress in the Republican-controlled House.

Additionally, Pete Buttigieg, the former U.S. Secretary of Transportation and Michigan resident, shared insights on the It’s Just Politics podcast. Buttigieg discussed the future of the Democratic Party, the role of artificial intelligence, and his political aspirations, saying, “Of course you think about it… I thought really hard about running here in Michigan twice earlier this year.”


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