State Rep. Kathy Schmaltz today voted to hold legislators accountable if they fail to meet the state’s July 1 budget deadline.

The measure, House Joint Resolution M, would amend the Michigan Constitution to suspend the pay of legislators and the governor if they miss the July 1 statutory deadline to enact a balanced, annual budget for the state. Their pay would remain suspended until the budget is signed into law.

“Families need certainty. Parents want to know how their children’s schools will be funded. Seniors rely on health programs. Communities count on public safety resources. When the budget isn’t finished on time, it’s everyday people who are left in limbo,” said Schmaltz, R-Jackson. “If legislators can’t meet the deadline, we shouldn’t expect to collect a paycheck. Our focus should be on finishing the job for the people who sent us here.”

To take effect, House Joint Resolution M would need to receive two-thirds support in the state House and the state Senate. It would then be placed on the ballot for Michigan voters to decide during the next general election.

With a 70-30 vote, the measure failed to gain enough support in the House today. Several Democrat legislators voting against it, while all House Republicans voted in support.

Schmaltz said she was surprised to see the measure fail, but she hopes it will receive another vote in the future.