Michigan lawmakers propose expanding term limits
March 15, 2010
LANSING,Michigan:Rep. Mark Meadows is proposing aballot measure that calls for expanding the number of years lawmakers can serve in office. In1992 Michigan voters approved, by about 59 percent,a measure that restricted the number of times a person can be elected to congressional, state executive and state legislative offices. However, Meadows argues that term limits in Michigan have been "a tremendous problem." He added,"Regardless of where you come from, it's a learning (curve) here. You really only get four years of productivity. It takes about two years to get your feet on the ground and understand how the process works." While some lawmakers agree that term limits have been a problem, the proposed measure, they said, is not the solution. "I believe in keeping us accountable, and the best way to do this is the election process...My performance appraisal is every two years," saidRep. Paul Opsommer.[1]
Specifically the proposed measure calls for a singleHouse term to be extended from two years to four years and aSenate term to be extended from four years to six years.[2]
According to reportsMichigan is one of 15 states that has legislative term limits. Term limit laws inMichigan,California andArkansas are also said to be the strictest; limiting House members to three two-year terms and senators to two four-year terms. In some states term limits reset after a year off once the maximum is reached, however, that is not the case in Michigan. The limit lasts the lifetime of politician.[3]
See also
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aMichigan Proposal B, Term Limits Initiative (1992)
Footnotes
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