A Summary of Proposal 1
Do you know what Proposal 1 does? Clara Hendrickson gives a great summary:
"If approved, it would reduce the number of years a state lawmaker could serve in the state Legislature from 14 to 12 years. But it would enable state lawmakers to serve all 12 of those years in one chamber: allowing state representatives to serve a maximum of six two-year terms and state senators to serve up to three four-year terms. In other words, it would double the time lawmakers can spend in the state House or allow an additional term in the state Senate."
Why do proponents want this?
Former president and CEO of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, Rich Studley, says it allows legislators "to gain enough experience so that we can slow the revolving door, especially in the state House, so that politicians can focus on the job they have instead of constantly raising funds to prepare for the next election and seek higher office."
What do opponents have to say against it?
Executive director of No More Time for Career Politicians, Kurt O'Keefe, says the goal of this proposal is not to limit politicians, but to allow them double the time in the House or four more years in the Senate. "Term limits forces turnover. There's just an incumbent advantage, we know it's there."
He also said Proposal 1 benefits lobbyists in allowing legislators to serve much longer if they stay put in either the House or Senate. "Once a lobbyist has a relationship with a legislator... they want them in there as long as possible, they don't want them flipping around every six or eight years."
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