LANSING – State Representative Alma Wheeler Smith (D-Salem) today voted "no" on House Concurrent Resolution 3, which asks the State Officers' Compensation Commission to recommend a 10% pay reduction in the salaries of the members of the Legislature, the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, the Attorney General, and the Secretary of State the next time the commission meets.
"The people of the State of Michigan are looking to the Legislature now, more than ever, for true leadership. This vote was a game played at the citizens' expense," Smith said. "There is no language for implementation in this bill. To decrease the salaries as proposed requires a constitutional change, which consequently requires a public vote. It is a real shame that we advocate transparency in government and then we put forth a resolution like this one designed to pull the wool over the public's eyes."
HCR 3 passed the Michigan House of Representatives on Wednesday and will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.
"This is no time for games," Smith said, "If the Senate sends an amended version of the resolution that requires a public vote to effect the salary reduction back to the House, I will reconsider my position on the issue. Until then, I cannot support a measure like HCR 3 that is frivolous and misleading. The citizens of my district and of the state deserve better."