Effects of term limits in Michigan: bureaucrats with more power.

When Michigan voters enacted term limits in 1992, supporters praised the "best thing to happen to state government," while those on the political scene knew the road ahead would present many challenges. Michigan term limits put a cap on three two-year terms for the state House and two four-year

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Term limits have brought new energy to Lansing and allowed a more diverse group of citizens to be elected to higher offices. They have helped local residents feel more connected to government as they see their family dentist or elementary teacher elected to the Legislature. However, despite these positives, many of the predicted challenges, and some unpredictable ones, have been realized.

Institution is Complex

Frequent turnover in the Michigan Legislature is a major obstacle in understanding complex issues facing state government. New legislators need time to adjust, learn the ropes and acquaint themselves with fellow legislators and lobbyists. Instead, the ability to master complex issues and learn the nuances of the legislative process is expected from the first day of session. Major issues, such as the budget or education, are forced into their laps immediately, giving them a scant amount of time to study before crucial votes are taken. In the first few months of a new term, this newness engenders heightened confusion and a lack of direction in policy, especially among the new members.

Loss of Historical Knowledge

Term limits have resulted in a huge loss of historical knowledge of the Legislature as an institution. In 2006, the Michigan Senate will face its second round of term limits, losing the last of the very experienced and knowledgeable long-term members. These include the Senate majority leader, the Senate majority floor leader and the chairperson of Appropriations. As they exit, they will take with them valuable information about the intricate workings of the state legislative process.

Power Vests with Governor's Office

The institution of term limits in Michigan has vested more power in the governor's office. The governor's office has greater access to resources and employs a significantly larger staff than the Legislature. Members of the governor's staff are usually political long-timers and are hand-picked by the governor for their areas of expertise. This is in sharp contrast to legislative staff members who are shuffled between various member offices as term-limited legislators move in and out of office.