LANSING — State Representative Paul Clemente (D-Lincoln Park) announced that as a result of disciplined spending, he ended 2014 with a large surplus. Clemente returned $13,915.16 out of his original budget to the state coffers.
Representative Clemente believes that lawmakers need to set an example and use money wisely. “Michiganders work hard to make ends meet, they are making do with less, and I think legislators can do the same,” Clemente said. “We are stewards of tax dollars, and we need to be efficient.”
Legislators are given a budget at the beginning of each year to cover staff, supplies, mailings and other office expenses. Any unused office budget dollars are returned to the state where it can be used on other priorities.