Michigan: Part-Time Legislature? Tax-Hike Public Votes?

SAGINAW, Mich. - Father-son Saginaw attorneys Allan and Gregory Schmid are leading a pair of petition drives for ballot proposals that would dramatically change state government.

One referendum would establish a part-time legislature. The other would call for public votes on tax increases, although legislators would maintain the final say-so.

Allan Schmid is a veteran of ballot proposals at both the state and local levels. His son, Greg Schmid, now takes the leading role.

Working with partners across the state, the Schmids will need about 400,000 petition signatures by early July to reach the November ballot for their proposed constitutional changes. The upcoming presidential election would ensure a maximum voter turnout.

Allan Schmid is the author of the state Headlee Amendment and the city of Saginaw's tax cap, both passed by voters during the late 1970s to limit property taxes. His son was in high school at the time.

The Schmids also have faced defeats. Last year's Saginaw proposal to install and elected mayor with a ward system was shot down by more than 80 percent of the electorate, and the city as a result continues with a mayor appointed by the City Council.

Michigan is among 11 states with either a full-time or "mostly" full-time governing body, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. New York, Pennsylvania, California and Michigan are considered totally full-time. Those ranked at roughly 80 percent full-time are Massachusetts, New Jersey, Florida, Ohio, Illinois, Wisconsin and Alaska. The other 39 states are part-time to varying degrees.

Greg Schmid says Michigan also was part-time until the late 1960s, when lawmakers gradually started meeting more often and raising their salaries in conjunction. They now are paid $79,650. The ballot plan would cut wages to $40,000 and eliminate pensions.