Monroe Review

State Representative James DeSana (R-Carleton) has introduced a proposal aimed at restructuring how Michigan lawmakers are compensated. The measure, known as House Joint Resolution O, would set legislators’ pay at $13.73 per hour and limit compensation to the hours spent attending official House sessions and committee meetings for which they are members.

Under current policy, lawmakers receive a salary that is not tied to the specific hours worked in legislative sessions or committees. The new plan also proposes changes to travel reimbursement rules, allowing legislators to claim mileage for each day they travel to Lansing for official House business rather than being limited to one trip per session week.

“Our state legislators should not be treated like career politicians with guaranteed salaries regardless of performance,” DeSana said. “We should be held to the same standards as the hardworking men and women we represent. If we expect Michigan families to live within their means, legislators should do the same. We must restore public trust by ensuring taxpayers only pay lawmakers for the actual work they do.”

If adopted, this proposal would alter how state representatives are paid and reimbursed for travel related to their legislative duties.