State Rep. Steve Frisbie today called for a new standard of accountability in Lansing: if legislators fail to pass a balanced state budget by the July 1 deadline, they should not receive a paycheck until the job is done.

As schools approach opening day without a budget and local governments begin making contingency plans, Frisbie is taking a stand to end the culture of delay and dysfunction in Lansing.

“Every year, Lansing politicians know the budget deadline is coming. Every year, families across Michigan make their own budgets work on time because they don’t have the luxury of ignoring bills, paychecks, and responsibilities,” Frisbie said. “But politicians continue to blow past deadlines and play politics with people’s livelihoods. If lawmakers can’t meet the most basic duty of government — passing a balanced budget by July 1 — then they shouldn’t collect a paycheck. Period.”

Frisbie pressed for an end to the reckless brinkmanship that has become routine, warning that stalling tactics jeopardize classrooms, road projects, and public safety funding.

“When deadlines are blown, it isn’t politicians in the Capitol who feel the pain — it’s Michigan families, schools, and communities,” Frisbie said. “That’s unacceptable. If the budget isn’t done, lawmakers should feel the consequences, not taxpayers.”

Frisbie pointed to the standoff that took place in late June at the state Capitol. Frisbie and House Republicans passed a school budget with record funding for classrooms and restored funding for school safety and mental health. They also passed a road repair funding plan and wanted to get both done before the deadline. Gov. Whitmer agreed and pushed for negotiations. Senate Democrats, however, did not want to pass a roads plan and chose to line-item less school funding to for-profit companies and politically-connected non-profits. Hours before the deadline, Senate Democrats adjourned and went home without a deal. Six weeks later, the budget is still not done.

“In the private sector, you don’t get rewarded for missing deadlines. You get held accountable. That’s the standard families live by every single day,” Frisbie said. “Some of us have done our job, but others need to stop dragging their feet. No budget, no pay. That’s how we end the excuses and force Lansing to deliver results on time.”

Frisbie stressed that his proposal is about fairness, discipline, and restoring trust between lawmakers and the people they represent.

“Families don’t get to push off their mortgages, utilities, or car payments because they’re squabbling,” Frisbie said. “They tighten their belts and get it done. Lansing should be no different. If we can’t meet the deadline, we shouldn’t cash the check — and no one should be allowed to hold taxpayers hostage.”

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