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Senate leader wants extend term limits

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The leader of the state Senate says he’s looking to change Michigan’s strict term limits law.

He said so at a conference on Mackinac Island.

The annual Detroit Regional Chamber conference brings together the state’s business and political leaders. Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey surprised the crowd when he announced he’s looking to change the term limit amendment in the state constitution.
 

 “Personally, I’d like to see an elimination of term limits, but I’m not sure we can accomplish that.”

Shirkey says he thinks inexperience in the Legislature is a problem. And he says voters should decide how long lawmakers serve.

“We have natural term limits every two and four years.”

Voters would have to approve any changes to the term limits amendment, which was adopted in 1992 The Legislature could put the question on the ballot. Or it could be done via a petition drive.
 

Rick Pluta is the Capitol Bureau Chief for the Michigan Public Radio Network. He is heard daily on WCMU's Morning Edition and All Things Considered.