LANSING – In an effort to further rein in government spending, State Representatives Barb Byrum
(D-Onondaga) and Joan Bauer (D-Lansing) voted for a plan – passed by the state House today – that prohibits state employees from using taxpayer-financed vehicles for personal use.
"In these tough economic times, Michigan simply cannot afford to give public employees and their staffs a free ride," Byrum said. "We need to cut spending wherever we can. Ending this perk that is left over from a bygone era of big government is the right thing to do to ensure that our taxpayers' money is spent responsibly."
House Democrats proposed the plan after learning that Supreme Court and Appeals Court judges and their staffs were given taxpayer-funded vehicles as part of their jobs, and that these autos often were used for personal errands, such as shopping trips, golf outings and even vacations. The plan that passed the House today also extends banning the personal use of state vehicles to the auditor general, directors of state agencies, and other state employees.
A Detroit Free Press special report earlier this year found that the state spent more than $400,000 a year on taxpayer-funded vehicles for seven Supreme Court justices, 28 Appeals Court judges and 10 court staff members. The state spent nearly $49,000 on taxpayer-funded vehicles for the auditor general and directors of state agencies, according to the Michigan Department of Management and Budget. Eliminating these taxpayer-funded vehicles saves the state nearly $500,000 a year, based on spending in previous years.
In addition, the savings generated through a new state program that reimburses judiciary employees for work-related miles instead of providing vehicles for them is roughly estimated to save $259,100 a year, according to the nonpartisan House Fiscal Agency.
"It's wrong to ask taxpayers who are struggling to make ends meet to sacrifice, while state officials get a free ride," Bauer said. "Providing free cars for public officials sends the wrong message to Michigan residents. Our residents need to have faith and trust that our officials are working for their benefit and not for their own benefit. That's why this perk must come to an end."