85 years later, lawmakers find savings right under their noses

 State lawmakers who pledge every campaign season to eliminate waste from the state budget recently learned that the House and State Journals (similar to the Congressional Record) that sit on their desks follow the same printing rules adopted 85 years ago.

Currently, 500 copies of each journal must be printed annually on "bible stock" paper. The requirement has not been updated since 1929.

Entering the picture was state Rep. Cindy Denby, a Republican from the Howell area. Denby learned of the anachronism and introduced legislation that calls for cheaper, modern print technology and the elimination of the 500-copies provision. The House, following the Senate's actions, passed the bill on Tuesday.

  

Denby

“This change is long overdue,” said Denby, of Handy Township, who is obviously handy to have around. “Currently many copies of the journal are not used, which is a waste of state resources and funding. This legislation allows the House clerk and Senate secretary to work together in deciding an appropriate number and style of journals which will give the state significant savings, all while still being transparent to the public.”

The bill now goes to Gov. Rick Snyder for his signature into law.