State Rep. James DeSana (R-Carleton) introduced a plan to ensure state lawmakers are only paid for the time they spend working on behalf of the people of Michigan.

House Joint Resolution O would change legislator compensation to $13.73 per hour. Lawmakers would only be paid for the hours they attend official House sessions and meetings for committees on which they serve as a member.

The plan also updates travel reimbursements. Legislators would be eligible for mileage reimbursement each day they travel to Lansing for official House session, instead of only receiving compensation for one trip per session week, which is currently the case.

“Our state legislators should not be treated like career politicians with guaranteed salaries regardless of performance,” DeSana said. “We should be held to the same standards as the hardworking men and women we represent. If we expect Michigan families to live within their means, legislators should do the same. We must restore public trust by ensuring taxpayers only pay lawmakers for the actual work they do.”