Michigan needs help.....Ex-lawmakers looking for jobs

[Pookie44]

January 6, 2009 - 9:01 AM

MICHIGAN (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - There are more people looking for jobs in Michigan than any other state.The jobless rate here is headed toward 10 percent.

It's not just auto-workers finding themselves without paychecks. The people once making budget decisions are now in need of employment themselves.

A recent report found 44 members of the Michigan House have left office because of the state's term limit law. Very few of them have found jobs.These are men and women used to making $80,000 a year.

Among them is Rick Shaefer in Three Rivers. He is a registered nurse by trade, but he hasn't found work. Glenn Steil, Jr. in Cascade Township and Mike Nofs in Battle Creek are also looking for jobs.

We spoke with Nofs and asked what went through his mind when he left office in this tough economy.

"You think about what you're going to do afterwards because it's only six years. I'm still relatively young and there's a lot of time left. I want to do a lot of things. I wasn't ready to retire. I have a pension though that I could go back on," said Mike Nofs.

Historically, state representatives have sought other positions at the local level such as county commissioners or city mayors. This year may prove more difficult in that regard.

[Piggy]

The should have sold their seat in Congress like they do in Illinois.