A Michigan Part-Time Legislature? Yes, please ....

This week Michigan's Lt. Governor Brian Calley announced a petition drive and potential 2018 ballot initiative to make the Michigan legislature part-time. The firestorm that followed was immediate and frankly - predictable. Progressives went crazy while some on the grassroots right labeled it a litmus test, campaign stunt, etc. Unfortunately, snarky comments on Facebook seem to command the day. Sad. 
Say what you will about Lt. Governor Brian Calley; too conservative, not conservative enough, etc. etc. One thing is certain - he's consistent. He backed a push for a part-time Michigan State Legislature in 2014 and he's not retreating. I say, good for him! And, us!! 
Keep in mind here, I have been campaigning for a part-time legislature since my time as a primary challenger in 2004. It wasn't a 'conservative litmus test' then and it isn't now. In fact, it's just common sense. So much so, it's an enigma to me how folks across the spectrum can see it as anything other than that - common sense. 
Currently, 41 states have a true part-time legislature and an additional five employ what I consider to be a highbred part-time legislature. There are only four with a true full-time legislature and Michigan is one of them. 
I've read hundreds of comments about how much a part-time legislator should be paid. Talk about tripping over pebbles. (I can't help myself here - I loath classism politics). Having a full-time legislature has burdened Michigan citizens with a legislative culture that measures success by how many bills they each (148) can shepherd into law at an immeasurably high cost to both treasury and liberty. It's an enigma to me that everyone paying any form of state tax isn't up in arms demanding a part-time legislature. Sadly, many are stuck in negative mode. 
Folks, there's no liberty or success to be found in negative. I'm excited about the possibilities of a Michigan Part-Time legislature. 
Um, don't shoot the messenger!


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