Bill Text: MI HR0115 | 2019-2020 | 100th Legislature | Enrolled
Bill Title: A resolution to urge the resignation of Representative Larry Inman of the One Hundred-fourth House District, state of Michigan.
Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Passed) 2019-08-29 - Roll Call Roll Call # 179 Yeas 98 Nays 8 Excused 0 Not Voting 4 [HR0115 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2019-HR0115-Enrolled.html
house resolution no.115
Reps. Chatfield and Greig offered the following resolution:
Whereas, Article XI, Section 1 of the Constitution of the State of Michigan of 1963 provides in relevant part:
"All officers, legislative, executive and judicial, before entering upon the duties of their respective offices, shall take and subscribe the following oath or affirmation: I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the constitution of this state, and that I will faithfully discharge the duties of the office of .......... according to the best of my ability."
; and
Whereas, House Rule 74(3) states:
"A Member shall not use his or her position in any manner to solicit or obtain anything of value for himself or herself, House employees or any other Member which tends to influence the manner in which the Member performs his or her official duties."
; and
Whereas, House Rule 74(6) states:
"A Member shall conduct himself or herself to justify the confidence placed in him or her by the people and shall, by personal example and admonition to colleagues, maintain the integrity and responsibility of his or her office."
; and
Whereas, House Rule 74(7) states:
"A Member shall not engage in any conduct that materially impairs the ability of the Member to perform the duties of his or her office or substantially impair the public confidence in the House."
; and
Whereas, House Rule 74(8) states:
"A Member shall adhere to these rules and all applicable laws. Any violation of law or these rules by a Member is subject to the House's plenary authority to reprimand, censure, or expel its Members. A reprimand, censure, or expulsion is in addition to any potential civil or criminal penalties otherwise provided by law."
; and
Whereas, On May 15, 2019, Representative Larry Inman was charged by a federal grand jury with attempted extortion under color of official right, solicitation of a bribe, and false statement to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The charges stem from a series of text messages in which he allegedly solicited money in exchange for his vote against legislation repealing Michigan's prevailing wage; and
Whereas, Representative Larry Inman subsequently made statements to numerous press outlets that seem to acknowledge the authenticity of the text messages underlying the criminal charges against him, including by positing, "Text messages can be taken out of context," and inexcusably declaring, "I think that’s the lesson learned: If you're going to have a communication with a lobbyist, have it one-on-one rather than by text"; and
Whereas, Representative Larry Inman’s pattern of conduct, including both the actions alleged in the indictment and numerous public statements made afterward, has drawn ridicule and disgrace to the state of Michigan and the Michigan House of Representatives, shaking the public trust and confidence in this legislative body, staining the honor, dignity, and integrity of the House, and distracting from the serious policy issues and debates before this body; and
Whereas, Public trust and confidence in government are prerequisites to the functioning of a democratic society; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That it is in the best interest of the state and this institution that Representative Larry Inman resign from his position as representative of the One Hundred-fourth House District, state of Michigan; and be it further
Resolved, That the House of Representatives hereby urges Representative Larry Inman to resign from his position as representative of the One Hundred-fourth House District, state of Michigan, effective immediately; and be it further
Resolved, That the House of Representatives reserves the right to take further disciplinary action permitted by Article IV, Section 16 of the Constitution of the State of Michigan of 1963 and the Standing Rules of the House of Representatives in the event that Representative Larry Inman does not immediately resign from his position as representative of the One Hundred-fourth House District, state of Michigan; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be delivered to Representative Larry Inman.
