LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – As the Trump administration continues to shine a light on government waste, overspending, and corruption, lawmakers in the Michigan House are looking to do the same.

Several Republican legislators have introduced a package of bills that would prohibit high-ranking state officials from becoming lobbyists immediately after leaving office. House Bills 4062, 4063, and 4064 would keep representatives, senators, and department heads out of the lobby pool for two years after their tenure. Violations would result in a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.

What are lobbyists?

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Lobbyists are individuals or a group that spend money to influence lawmakers votes. They like to get “face time” with lawmakers and top officials to gain leverage over their votes and the kinds of bills that make their way though Lansing. They can represent anything from teachers, small businesses, and the healthcare sector.

Closing a “revolving door.”

Rep. Mike Harris (R-Waterford) said closing the “revolving door” will shut down conflicts of interest.

“Michiganders want confidence that our elected representatives and other government officials are laser-focused on serving the people,” Harris said. “Nothing should get in the way of that mission to serve, and public servants should avoid conflicts of interest — and even the appearance of conflicts — that could give people reason to question what is guiding our decisions.”

Rep. Jerry Neyer (R-Shepherd) said lawmakers and officials represent communities, not their own personal future job opportunities. “I’d love to believe that all lawmakers never put themselves first, but after years of watching people go to sleep legislators and wake up lobbyists, something had to be done,” Neyer said.

Focus on the people, not a “lucrative career move.”

Neyer’s colleague, Rep David Martin (R-Davison) echoed the same sentiments. “Lansing should serve the people of Michigan, and elected officials should remain focused on their responsibilities rather than setting up a lucrative career move,” he said. “This legislation demands greater accountability from government leaders and ensures decisions are made for the right reasons.”

The bills have been presented to the House Government Operations Committee Michigan. Information presented in a hearing there indicated that Michigan is one of only eight states without a prohibition period between leaving one’s tenure as a lawmaker or top official and becoming a lobbyist.