LANSING – State Representative Barb Byrum (D-Onondaga) today voted against a bill requiring a statewide presidential primary election, a move that will create additional costs for Michigan taxpayers and force residents to publicly state their party affiliation. The bill passed the House in a 67-34 vote.
"Michigan is facing an unprecedented financial crisis," Byrum said. "Many communities are being forced to layoff police officers and cut back on essential services. In this financial climate, it is unacceptable for us to spend millions of dollars on a state-run presidential primary. We must be wiser with taxpayer dollars."
Senate Bill 264 requires the state to hold a presidential primary on Jan. 15, 2008. The Senate Fiscal Agency has estimated that a state-run primary would cost taxpayers $10 million. Byrum noted that those dollars could be used for a myriad of more pressing concerns, including funding for education, health care and police and fire protection.
The bill also will force residents to declare which political party's primary they wish to vote in, a requirement that will discourage independent voters and intrude upon the privacy of citizens. The bill passed the Senate last week in a 21-17 vote.
"I was proud to vote against this bill today," Byrum said. "We should be focusing on a multitude of more important issues, such as getting our economy back on track and making sure that all Michigan residents have access to affordable, quality health care. This is a completely inappropriate way to spend $10 million. "