Two editorials this morning, both dripping with sarcasm over the decision of the Legislature to stay on vacation.
Bishop's spokesman Matt Marsden told Gongwer yesterday that Senate members aren't taking any heat for not being in session this week- what Matt doesn't realize is the rest of the state is just now finding out about it.
So far, it's not looking too good for the lawmakers as far as public opinion goes.
First up, that Lansing State Journal weighs in-
Michigan's 2008 budget year begins in 81 days. Today, Michigan State University trustees will vote on tuition increases enlarged by uncertainty in state financing - a story that could get repeated on other campuses this summer.
And, oh yes, Michigan faces a $1.8 billion deficit for the '08 budget year.
Clearly, it's time to stay on vacation.
That's what passes for logic in the Michigan Legislature these days. How much inaction are the people of Michigan to tolerate?
What choice do we have?
Make no mistake, this is a bipartisan mess - or rather one of Lansing's corroded political culture. The Democratic House will be at ease as long as the Republican Senate.
So, who was behind this latest corroded fiasco? Two guesses, and anyone who has been paying attention this year doesn't need to guess. This goes right to the leadership of the Legislature. From MIRS (sub only)-
Speaking as part of her announcement of the Sweden/Germany trade mission, Granholm declined to weigh in on whether the Legislature "fooled her" by initially canceling the second week of its summer recess only to take it anyway.
Was this about "fooling" the governor? Just a little prank on the part of two Lansing frat boys? It appears that way, even if that wasn't the intention.
The Legislature's decision not to meet this week, apparently reached during a conversation with Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop (R- DeVos) and House Speaker Andy Dillon (D- Michigan for Lieberman) last week, was made public Friday.
These guys are a walking, talking PR nightmare. They make a show of cancelling a week of vacation, only to change their minds mere days later. Did they think people wouldn't notice that? Or wouldn't care?
They are wrong.
Alan Cropsey (R- Crazytown) threw haymakers at the governor in a wild attempt to excuse their behavior. He hit "legislative leaders" at the same time. Oops.
Senate Majority Floor Leader Sen. Alan Cropsey said the Senate is keeping its two tentative session days open in case something happens this week with budget negotiations. But until then, it doesn't make sense for the entire Legislature to meet if legislative leaders and the administration haven't struck a final agreement on the FY '08 budget."Does she want us to come back just so we can sit around?" Cropsey asked. "I don't want to slap the Governor, but I don't understand what she's talking about. If they don't have an agreement, why does she want us back?
Um, to get some work done? Surely there are things you could be doing to help the process along, Alan. Well, maybe not you in particular, but surely we have some responsible, adult members our legislative body.
Then again, maybe not.
The Freep also has a few things to say about that.
Ah, but the world apparently looks different and much more pleasant outside of the Capitol. All that talk of momentum and an early return evaporated in the summer heat. Instead, legislators will go back to work on July 17, as they originally planned.
What's another week? All the local governments and school districts and universities that depend on money from Lansing have been kept on hold this long; they can wait a while more to see what their budgets ought to be or how much tuition to charge. It's better to have a well-rested Legislature that will make sound decisions when its members are good and ready.
Maybe Michigan doesn't need a part-time Legislature after all. Maybe it already has one.
Whew. Two unhappy papers today. Maybe more to follow.
Speaking of that part-time legislature, the GR Press did a front page story on July 1st titled, "Do lawmakers earn their keep?"
The response to that story showed that the public already has a bad attitude about our lawmakers. Keep in mind this was before the latest stunt; it's doubtful that the decision to stay on vacation will win them any new fans.
Perhaps people are tired of trying to get the attention of their representatives. Now they just go straight to the press.
Sen. Bill Hardiman, R-Kentwood, states "We (legislators) have a hard enough time getting it done full time ("Do lawmakers earn their keep?" Press, July 1)." Whose fault is that? I also wonder if he said that before or after the "lawmakers" took their latest two-week vacation?
And another-
My first thought on reading the July 1 Grand Rapids Press front page, was "What?" Is someone trying out for a spot on Comedy Central? "Do lawmakers earn their keep?" Funny enough thought to give me a good chuckle.
So far, they aren't even earning part-time wages, let alone generous benefits and full-time pay.
This too-
Isn't it a shame that we in Michigan pay our lawmakers $80,000 a year for doing so little! They could probably meet one week of the year to do what they have accomplished in a year. It is such a shame that these elected-learned men and women are so willing to practically steal from us.
There were no letters praising the Legislature, although one did have some concerns that they would become even more corrupt if they were poorly paid part-time employees, and therefore we should keep them full-time for our own self defense.
Can't wait to see the reaction after this. The lawmakers need a wake-up call, and we shouldn't have to wait until the next election to do it.
Keep those cards and letters coming, citizens of Michigan. Maybe some day they will listen. But don't hold your breath.