Today State Board OK’s Part Time Legislature Ballot Plan

The Board of State Canvassers has given the go-ahead to the group that says the legislature should only work part of the year. That means those with the "Committee to Restore Michigan's Part Time Legislature" can start collecting signatures in their attempt to get the issue on the ballot this fall. They have to get about 323,000 valid ones. If the proposal is approved lawmakers would not be allowed to make more than $35,000 a year. They are paid about $70,000 now.  Also, they would meet 60 days a year--not including special session days. Along with Michigan--California, New York and Pennsylvania are the only other states that currently have full time legislatures.