Board approves placing nonbinding Effingham County ballot question urging Congress to suspend pay during shutdowns

Jeremy, a county board member and veteran, proposed placing a ballot question on the next election asking voters whether Effingham County should urge the United States Congress to suspend pay for senators and representatives for each day federal appropriations lapse. He framed the proposal as a grassroots mechanism that, if adopted widely, could support a broader constitutional change: “Voting yes means you support suspending pay for members of Congress during periods when the federal government is shut down because of a funding deadlock,” Jeremy explained.

Committee members questioned whether the measure would be binding and how to word it. Josh and others asked whether to address the question directly to voters or phrase it as urging Congress. Jeremy confirmed the draft was intended as a nonbinding referendum that would be nonbinding until enough states (he cited 38) had passed related measures: “It’d be nonbinding until 38 states,” he said. Members also agreed to modify the wording to name Effingham County specifically and to clear final language with the county attorney (Aaron) before it goes on the ballot.

Jeremy moved to place the question on the ballot and Chris seconded. After brief discussion about back pay and legal effect, the board voted by voice and the motion carried.

The measure as approved at this stage is procedural for placement on the local ballot and does not itself change federal law. The committee routed the finalized wording and any attorney edits to the county attorney for review before the county ballot deadline.