Imagine only having to listen to Republicans and Democrats fight like schoolyard bullies bumping bellies once every TWO years. The release of negative energy alone would no doubt improve Michigan’s air quality.
That’s the idea Paul Welday floated in his last e-mail newsletter. Amid the “we need real reform” talk, he suggests a two-year budgeting process, as a means to create greater economic stability. It should allow lawmakers to take a long-term view of finances and result in fewer messes like the new state business tax, which was slapped together by people who didn’t have enough time or, I think, the inclination to do the job well. This might also move us toward a part-time legislature, an idea also being promoted by Richard Lerner, one of Welday’s August 5 primary opponents.
Interesting side note on political strategy: Welday’s newsletter quotes a July 7 Detroit Free Press news story by Chris Christoff, which says Oakland County Republicans are hanging their hopes on Welday to reclaim the District 37 seat, now that Democrat Aldo Vagnozzi is leaving. I’m sure that will come a stunning surprise to those Oakland County Republicans who support Richard Lerner and Michael Peters…
I like the idea of a Legislature that meets only every other year. It’s already being done in 6 states: Arkansas, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, Oregon and Texas. In Texas, they passed a $142 billion 2-year budget in their 120 day session in the spring of 2007. They don’t meet at all in even numbered years. Their next session will be in 2009. So it can be done, even in states with budgets and populations larger than Michigan. However, realistically, we can’t get there overnight; we have to learn to walk before we can run.
It’s unlikely that legislators will ever vote themselves a significant pay cut and reduction in hours. The part-time legislature initiative will need to come from a ballot proposal. There may be one on the ballot in November, but it’s still short of the required number of signatures. However, there are some interesting opportunities for interim steps to help move toward a part-time legislature. We can require that the budget be completed by a fixed date early in the session, preferably at least a month before the required completion of school budgets (June 30). That would give our schools a fighting chance to get their finances in order for the coming year. Education funding is the largest single portion of the state budget. It would also mean that the largest part of a legislator’s job is done early in the year. This would leave plenty of time to rename roadways and pass non-binding resolutions recognizing things like National Ice Cream week. We can limit the ability for legislators to shift money from various funds back to the general fund when they “find” unexpected balances above forecasts. Just because one area didn’t spend every dollar they were given, it doesn’t mean someone else has to. Not spending money can be just as rewarding as spending money.
Michigan falls into the 8% of our country with full-time legislatures. Then there is the 12% of the country with alternate year legislatures. How about if we join the 80% of the country that has part-time legislatures? The part-time legislature is an idea whose time has come in Michigan. We are by far the smallest of the 4 states with full-time legislatures (others are New York, California & Pennsylvania). An alternate year legislature may also have great appeal, but it’s not for everyone, and it’s pretty far out of our league right now.
A journey of a thousand miles still begins with a first step. Let’s put on our shoes, go outside and take a walk for the good of Michigan. Neither side of the aisle has anything to be proud of from the last session. We need to get serious about changing our state government. And a part-time legislature is a step in the right direction. If you see a petition for a part-time legislature, please think about signing it so we can have this on the ballot state-wide in November.