Calley announces 'Clean MI Government' ballot initiative on Mackinac Island

MACKINAC ISLAND, Mich. – Lt. Gov. Brian Calley announced the "Clean MI Government" ballot initiative Tuesday on Mackinac Island which would amend the Michigan state constitution to switch from a full-time to a part-time state legislature and to slash pay and benefits of legislators to make certain they don't earn more than teachers.

"Michigan is one of a handful of states with a full-time legislature," Calley said. "It is time to amend the Michigan state constitution to switch from a full-time to a part-time state legislature.

Recommended Videos



The proposal would amend Article IV, section 12 and Article IV, section 13 of the state constitution to require a part-time legislature that can meet no more than 90 consecutive calendar days each year, unless an emergency session is called by the Governor. It would also require legislators to be paid commensurate with public school teachers, and permanently eliminate their pensions and health insurance after their term of office in the part-time legislature.

The announcement was made Tuesday on Mackinac Island, on the eve of an annual gathering of business, political and civic leaders for the Detroit Regional Chamber's policy conference.

Calley, who has served as Gov. Rick Snyder's lieutenant since 2011, will make another announcement on Thursday.

For five weeks, an independent political action committee has been touting Calley in online ads and building anticipation for the Tuesday announcement.

Snyder cannot run again due to term limits. The only Republican who appears to be actively campaigning so far is Saginaw doctor Jim Hines.

Attorney General Bill Schuette also is expected to run.