LANSING – A plan supported by State Representative Lee Gonzales (D-Flint Township) to end the practice of supplying taxpayer-financed cars for the personal use of Supreme Court and Court of Appeals judges and their staffers is gaining momentum, with the state's seven members of the Michigan Supreme Court set to turn in their taxpayer-funded cars.
"While voluntarily turning in the cars is a good step, we still need legislation to end this extravagant practice that is wasting precious taxpayer dollars," Gonzales said. "Michigan is facing an unprecedented fiscal crisis, and we can't afford to pay for luxuries like this. The law needs to make it clear that this practice is completely unacceptable."
The state spends $423,000 a year on cars for Michigan's seven Supreme Court justices, 28 Appeals Court judges and 10 court staff members. Gonzales last week supported a plan to end the decades-long practice of giving free cars to Supreme Court and Appellate Court judges for their personal use. The vehicles are not limited to business use; they can be used for personal errands such as shopping trips, golf outings and even vacations.
Gonzales pointed out that taxpayer-funded vehicles are not guaranteed for top judges elsewhere. Supreme Court and Appellate Court judges in neighboring states such as Ohio, Wisconsin and Indiana do not get them. Not even federal judges, appointed for life, are entitled to use a publicly financed car.
"We have to make sure taxpayers' dollars are being spent properly and prudently," Gonzales said. "Our residents are counting on legislators and public servants to be fiscally responsible. This plan makes it clear that wasteful spending must end."