Listen Live

5/10/22 - Decades Old Term Limits Law Up For Vote in Michigan

Tuesday, May 10, 2022 at 3:20 PM

Michigan lawmakers put term limits on the November ballot. But no Michigan resident outside the chambers even looked at the initiative. Image courtesy of the State of Michigan. 5/10/22.

Michigan lawmakers voted to put the issue of term limits before Michigan voters, but critics contend it by-passed Michigan residents without their input.

Both chambers of the Michigan legislature have adopted a ballot proposal to limit lawmaker terms in office and attempt to improve financial transparency, but not everyone thinks this was a good idea.

The chambers by-passed the normal ballot proceedings.  If they took the normal steps to gather signatures, they would only have 60 days to gather over 425-thousand signatures to get the measure on the November ballot.  Instead, lawmakers approved the ballot initiative by a two-thirds majority in both House and Senate, both of which are controlled by Republicans.

The measure would allow lawmakers to serve a maximum of 12 years in office, in either a combination of or in just one chamber.  The law passed back in 1992 allowed for multiple terms up to 14 years in office. 

Critics say no Michigan resident outside the chambers saw the resolution or had any input into its creation or passage.  Patrick Anderson is quoted in the Detroit News as being critical of the process.  Anderson, who helped lead the 1992 effort to enact the limits, says there are so many loopholes in the bill, it's "ambushing the voters before noon,"

There are questions over which lawmakers elected in 2022 may be eligible to serve another 12 years under the new rules. 

The bills also includes requirements for financial disclosures for the executive branch of the state government by 2024.

Share

More from Featured

On Air Now Middays with Tom
But The Cross Ben Fuller 12:55pm
Miracle Child Brandon Lake 12:48pm
Encouraging Words From Your Bible

God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.

JOHN 3:17 | NLT
Family-Friendly Commercial-Free
91.3 WCSG
Grand Rapids / Lakeshore
88.3 WCXK
Kalamazoo
90.9 WCFG
Battle Creek
89.9 WCXB
Benton Harbor

Search 91.3 WCSG