Rep. Greg Markkanen supports ethics bill to prevent former legislators immediately working for utility organizations

The Michigan House of Representatives passed a bipartisan ethics bill Wednesday designed to prevent former legislators from immediately pursuing careers with organizations that benefit from state funding.

House Bill 6282 passed 88-15, with seven legislators absent from the voting session. The legislation targets potential conflicts of interest involving the Utility Consumer Protection Board, a state agency that awards grants to nonprofits and municipal organizations representing utility customers in Michigan Public Service Commission proceedings.

“Lawmakers are elected to serve the people who sent them to Lansing, not to line up their next job,” said Representative Greg Markkanen. “A two-year cooling-off period is a commonsense safeguard to ensure public service remains focused on the public.”

The bill prohibits former legislators from accepting employment with organizations receiving UCPB grant funding for at least two years after leaving office. Violators found guilty of a misdemeanor could face up to 90 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine.

The measure now moves to the Michigan Senate for consideration. Find the full statement below.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 24, 3036

Markkanen strengthens ethics rules for former legislators

Rep. Greg Markkanen today voted in favor of closing the revolving door between legislators and utility organizations receiving state-administered grant funding.

“Public service should not be treated as a steppingstone toward getting a fat paycheck that comes out of our pockets,” said Markkanen (R-Hancock). “When lawmakers leave office, Michiganders should be able to trust that politicians didn’t use their influence and time in Lansing to get themselves a personal windfall.”

House Bill 6282, which passed through the Michigan House today, would prohibit former legislators from accepting employment with an organization which receives grant funding from the Utility Consumer Participation Board for at least two years after leaving their legislative office.

“Lawmakers are elected to serve the people who sent them to Lansing, not to line up their next job,” Markkanen said. “A two-year cooling-off period is a commonsense safeguard that helps ensure public service remains focused on the public.”

A former legislator who violates the two-year prohibition would be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both.

The Utility Consumer Participation Board is a state board that awards grants to nonprofit organizations and local governments that represent residential utility customers in proceedings before the Michigan Public Service Commission. The grants can be used to cover expenses for the organization, such as staff, attorneys, and expert witnesses in cases.

The board was originally created to make sure utility customers had a voice before regulators but has since been transformed into a tool to stream funding into politically aligned projects. Republicans introduced an energy package that would put an end to the scheme.

The legislation now proceeds to the Senate for further consideration.

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