Politicians are corrupt. There, I said what we were thinking. And that’s why Michigan voters should approve Proposal 1 in November. 

If approved, the constitutional amendment would limit lawmakers to a total of 12 years of service in either chamber of the state legislature. 

Right now, Michigan legislators can serve as many as 14 years; six years in the house of representatives and eight years in the senate. 

According to Bridge Michigan, the proposal would also “strengthen financial disclosure rules for state elected officials, such as the governor, secretary of state, attorney general, and all 110 state lawmakers.”

Transparency is lackluster in the state as is. An article by Michigan Live in March 2022 recounts several instances of transparency failures in the state, including a battle over the Freedom of Information Act. 

FOIA allows for certain records and documents to be released upon request. But in Michigan,  the Michigan legislature, governor, and lieutenant governor are exempt from FOIA requests. 

While FOIA requests are not part of this proposal, this example emphasizes the dire need for transparency in Michigan state politics. 

WXYZ Detroit outlined how the proposed amendment would “Require members of the legislature, governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, and attorney general file annual public financial disclosure reports after 2023, including assets, liabilities, income sources, future employment agreements, gifts, travel reimbursements, and positions held in organizations except religious, social, and political organizations.”

The new amendment does not require the legislature to limit or restrict the requirements of reporting, as described by WXYZ Detroit. 

Government officials need to be held more accountable, and they should not be able to make careers out of politics. 

14 years is not a career in politics, but this proposal would allow legislators to decide where they want to spend their time in office and not continually be focused on the next election or switching to the other branch. 

This proposal would also hold officials accountable to their constituents. Elected officials need to remember that they serve the people. Constituents deserve answers, and this proposal would be a step in the right direction in moving toward a Michigan government focused on integrity and the will of the people. 

Set term limits are not the perfect fix for government corruption, but they are a start. Financial disclosures would aid in transparency, but they are not the perfect answer. 

Michiganders must realize that it is their job to hold their elected officials accountable by being civically engaged and vote for Proposal 1.