LANSING, Mich. — As Senate Democrats moved Wednesday to repeal Michigan’s prohibition against state agencies adopting regulations more stringent than federal rules, Sen. Michael Webber pushed to hold lawmakers more accountable for future policy changes that could have a major impact in the state.
“If my colleagues think it is a good idea for Michigan to have more regulations than the federal government, it is important that at least an elected body, accountable to the voters, put their names on such actions instead of leaving it up to bureaucrats,” said Webber, R-Rochester Hills.
Webber proposed amending Senate Bill 14 in order to make its passage contingent on his previously introduced Senate Joint Resolution C, which would amend the state’s constitution to require the Legislature to approve any new rule that’s implementation would cost over $1 million within five years.
“Small businesses may not have the ability to pay for lobbyists and lawyers to manage regulations, but small business owners may or likely have a direct contact to their state senator or representative.” Webber said.
“At a time when trust in government is at an all-time low, we need to increase government transparency and accountability. If we are going to continue to grow government, we must increase its accountability to the people it serves.”
Webber’s amendment was defeated by Democrats in a party-line vote. SB 14 passed the chamber by the same margin and now heads to the state House of Representatives for consideration.
SJR C was referred to the Senate Committee on Government Operations, where it has remained since it was introduced on April 25.
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