a:1:{s:15:"field_news_body";a:1:{i:0;a:2:{s:5:"value";s:1602:"<span style="font-size: x-large;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; As most of you already know there is a initiative petition drive to put on the ballot this year for the voters to decide if they want to make the Michigan Legislature part-time instead of full time.<br />
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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; There are currently 46 states that already have part-time legislatures. The only 4 states that have a full time legislature are Pennsylvania, California, New York and Michigan.<br />
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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Before the 1963 Constitution, Michigan had a part-time legislature. Prior to 1963 there was one staffer for every four legislators.<br />
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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Under the new initiative petition proposal the legislature would only meet in one 60-day regular session per year.<br />
Lawmakers would be cut from $71,000 to&nbsp; $35,000 per year.<br />
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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Currently legislative salaries are $71,000 per year salary but when you add in the benefits it is over $100,000. &nbsp;<br />
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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The proposal would also limit the total number of staff to 250 for the 148 legislators.<br />
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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The drive needs to collect 322,609 signatures by July 7. However, due to possible invalid signatures, the goal is to collect well over 400,000.<br />
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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; If you would like to sign or circulate a petition and you live in Clinton County please call Sheri Harte Willis at 517-281-6212 or email her at shwillis1959@gmail.com.<br />
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