Lansing, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – State Representative Ann Bollin (R-Brighton) is aiming to increase legislator accountability for those in elected state offices in the legislature.

Her plan, Joint Resolution R, would increase “stricter penalties for unethical behavior and excessive absenteeism among legislators.”

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Members of the House and Senate would have the authority to suspend the salary and expense allowances of any legislator found to have participated in certain behaviors.

“Each house may, with the concurrence of two-thirds of all the members elected and serving in that house, suspend part or all of the salary and expense allowances of a member who acts unethically or is excessively absent from regular session. Each house shall be the sole judge of a suspension under this subsection, and the reasons for the suspension shall be entered in the journal, with the votes and names of the members voting upon the question.”

According to Rep. Bollin, the aim of the resolution is to ensure legislators fulfill their duties to the public “with integrity and commitment.”

“Maintaining the trust and confidence of our constituents is paramount,” said Bollin in a statement. “My plan provides a mechanism to address instances of legislative misconduct promptly and decisively.”

Historical Context for the joint resolution centers on 2018 incident.

According to Rep. Bollin, a state representative from 2018 “neglected her duties for several months,” and despite a prolonged absence from the legislature was allowed to receive her full salary of $71,685, along with other benefits.

If the joint resolution were enacted, a supermajority of members in the House or Senate chamber would be able to alter some or all of the elected member’s salary provided they were acting in an unethical manner, or if they were excessively absent from session.

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“The people of Michigan deserve elected officials who prioritize their interests, and my proposal is a significant step in that direction,” Bollin said. “In order to maintain the trust and confidence of the people we serve, we must hold ourselves to the highest standards of ethical conduct.”

HJR R was referred to the House Government Operations Committee for consideration.

“In a term marked by limited bipartisan activity, this measure presents a prime opportunity to attract bipartisan support and demonstrate a commitment to ethical governance,” Bollin said.

If it gains support from two-thirds of legislators in both the House and Senate, it will be placed on the ballot for a vote by the people of Michigan.

“Throughout my tenure, I have consistently prioritized reforms to improve ethics and increase transparency in state government,” Bollin said. “I will continue to be a voice for change and an advocate for the people of Michigan who deserve more accountability from their state government.”

Legislator returns $5,000 in COVID small business grant after inquiry.

State Rep. Kristian Grant (D-Grand Rapids) has returned $5,000 in assistance meant for small businesses after an investigation by the Detroit News.

While Rep. Grant previously told officials in Kent County that she had filed an amended tax return to resolve an inconsistency in applications from her 2020 return, Kent County Administrator Al Vanderberg denied receiving the amended tax return according to the Detroit News.

The county allowed Grant to keep the money in 2023, including a $10,000 grant for a small business and $5,000 for another after Rep. Grant claimed to file an amended tax return.

Rep. Grant took responsibility for not having submitted the 2019 tax return, which she partially blamed on her accountant.

“Ultimately, while I did rely on a professional to assist in preparing my tax return, I take full responsibility for the oversight and believe returning the funds is the right thing to do,” Grant said in the statement, according to the Detroit News. “I am happy to have this matter fully resolved.”