By Sara A. Scholtens

In these difficult economic times, the legislators in Michigan need to take part in Gov. Snyder’s “shared sacrifice.” Although they have just taken a 10 percent cut in salary, they are some of the highest paid legislators in the U.S., in a state with unemployment at 11.7 percent.

Beginning January 2011, entry level salaries for senators and representatives in Michigan went from $79,650 to $71,685. Their expense account was reduced from $12,000 to $10,800. The qualifications to be elected as a Michigan lawmaker are citizenship in the U.S., age 21 and no criminal record.

Health benefits for legislators are currently almost fully paid (after age 55) for retired legislators who have served only six years. Legislation has been discussed since 2007 to reform this benefit. A current bill would cut this benefit to current and future legislators, but not for retired lawmakers already receiving free health care. (The bill is sponsored by Sen. Rick Jones, R-Grand Ledge).

I propose a way for legislators to participate in Gov. Snyder’s shared sacrifice. Why not pay them the same salaries teachers make? After all, both teachers and legislators are public employees.

In the Thornapple Kellogg District, for example, beginning teachers earn $38,461 for a nine-and-a-half month contract. This is after they have:

• Obtained a four-year degree in an approved college of education;

• Successfully student taught for one full year, no pay;

• Passed state mandated qualifying tests (in math, reading, writing, specific subjects);

• Applied for a provisional teaching certificate, at teacher’s expense.

• To continue teaching, probationary teachers must:

• Be on probation for four years once hired; may be let go at will during this time;

• Within six years must take 18 graduate level credits at an approved college and successfully teach for three years; graduate classes paid for by teachers;

• Apply for a professional teaching certificate, at teacher’s expense;

• Every five years must reapply for teaching certificate and obtain six grad credits, all at teacher’s expense;

• Must repeat this process for as long as one teaches.

Not only are Michigan legislators highly paid, there are only 10 other states that have full-time lawmakers. Cutting legislators to part time will save money.

Critics of this plan might argue that reducing legislators’ salaries and benefits will barely make a dent in Michigan’s looming deficit. However, a reduction in salary from $71,685 to $38,461 ($33,224 times 148 legislators), is a savings of $4.9 million. Reducing expense accounts from $10,800 to $90 (teachers’ yearly supply allotment) is an additional savings of $1.6 million.

This is my challenge to Michigan senators and representatives: reduce your salary for one year to that of a first-year public school teacher. Cut your salaries. Cut your perks. Cut your retirement benefits just as you would cut those to every other citizen in Michigan. If the people of Michigan can live with the cuts you propose to the budget, then so can you. Don’t ask us to do what you will not.

Sara A. Scholtens teaches 2nd grade in the Thornapple Kellogg School District. She lives in Middleville.