Thanks in part to the difficult decisions made by our state leaders the last two years, Michigan is starting to turn around. Employment is up, personal incomes are on the rise, and our economy is growing again. We have adopted balanced budgets, lowered taxes on job providers and started to reinvest in our higher education institutions – a primary source for the talent Michigan employers need.
This November, voters will be asked to vote on one referendum and five proposed amendments to the Michigan Constitution that have the potential to undo all the progress we’ve made.
Proposal 1 is a referendum on whether or not Michigan should retain Public Act 4 of 2011, which helps Michigan communities in financial emergencies regain fiscal stability. In cases where communities are unable to meet payroll, pay vendors, or are operating under continuous deficits, the law allows the state to appoint an emergency manager to help address these problems. BLM SUPPORTS PROPOSAL 1.
Proposals 2-6 attempt to use our Constitution to re-write legislation passed by our elected leaders or bypass Michigan’s legislative process. The Michigan Constitution sets forth our basic rights and freedoms. It should not be used to undo legislative action because a group doesn’t like it. BLM DOES NOT SUPPORT PROPOSALS 2-6.
Michigan is just starting to turn around. We can’t afford to turn back.