On Jan. 1, state House members will take a 10 percent pay cut and office allotments will be reduced by 5 percent. As a result of the Republicans regaining majority control of the state House, 18 policy and communications staff for House Democrats will be let go at the end of the year. These changes will balance the House legislative budget; however, Speaker-elect Bolger (R-Marshall) may need to enact additional reductions next year due to the ongoing state budget challenges.

Camp to Chair U.S. House Ways and Means Committee

In January, Michigan Congressman Dave Camp will take over the chairmanship of the powerful U.S. House Ways and Means Committee from Michigan Congressman Sander Levin. This committee is the chief tax-writing body for the U.S. House and has responsibility for such issues as health care, taxes, trade, and Social Security.