State Rep. David Martin this week 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.

“Too many politicians in Lansing seem more worried about collecting a paycheck than doing the work they were sent here to do,” said Martin, R-Davison. “Families, schools, seniors, and local communities pay the price when the budget isn’t finished on time. If lawmakers can’t do their jobs, then they shouldn’t get paid. It’s that simple.”

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 voted against it, while all House Republicans voted in support.

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