10/09/2006
The Legislature is not in session this week. This edition of NFIB/Michigan's weekly update will again remind members of the upcoming ballot proposals on the November ballot and the NFIB position. NFIB has only taken a position on Proposals 4 and 5, and they are the only ones where the full ballot language is displayed. If you wish to see the full ballot language for the other proposals visit Michigan.gov.
Statewide proposals qualified to appear on Nov. 7, 2006, General Election ballot
PROPOSAL 06-1 (Create a Conservation and Recreation Legacy Fund)
A PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT TO REQUIRE THAT MONEY HELD IN CONSERVATION AND RECREATION FUNDS CAN ONLY BE USED FOR THEIR INTENDED PURPOSES
NFIB Position: None. No position.
PROPOSAL 06-2 (Michigan Civil Rights Initiative Petition)
A PROPOSAL TO AMEND THE STATE CONSTITUTION TO BAN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION PROGRAMS THAT GIVE PREFERENTIAL TREATMENT TO GROUPS OR INDIVIDUALS BASED ON THEIR RACE, GENDER, COLOR, ETHNICITY OR NATIONAL ORIGIN FOR PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT, EDUCATION OR CONTRACTING PURPOSES
NFIB Position: None. No position.
PROPOSAL 06-3 (Dove Hunting Referendum)
A REFERENDUM ON PUBLIC ACT 160 OF 2004 – AN ACT TO ALLOW THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A HUNTING SEASON FOR MOURNING DOVES
NFIB Position: None. No position.
PROPOSAL 06-4 (Preserve existing rights of property owners)
A PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT TO PROHIBIT GOVERNMENT FROM TAKING PRIVATE PROPERTY BY EMINENT DOMAIN FOR CERTAIN PRIVATE PURPOSES
The proposed constitutional amendment would:
- Prohibit government from taking private property for transfer to another private individual or business for purposes of economic development or increasing tax revenue.
- Provide that if an individual's principal residence is taken by government for public use, the individual must be paid at least 125% of property's fair market value.
- Require government that takes a private property to demonstrate that the taking is for a public use; if taken to eliminate blight, require a higher standard of proof to demonstrate that the taking of that property is for a public use.
- Preserve existing rights of property owners.
Should this proposal be adopted? ____ Yes ____ No
NFIB Position: Support. Vote yes on Proposal 4.
PROPOSAL 06-5 (Educational Funding Guarantee)
A LEGISLATIVE INITIATIVE TO ESTABLISH MANDATORY SCHOOL FUNDING LEVELS
The proposed law would:
- Increase current funding by approximately $565 million and require State to provide annual funding increases equal to the rate of inflation for public schools, intermediate school districts, community colleges, and higher education (includes state universities and financial aid/grant programs).
- Require State to fund any deficiencies from General Fund.
- Base funding for school districts with a declining enrollment on three-year student enrollment average.
- Reduce and cap retirement fund contribution paid by public schools, community colleges and state universities; shift remaining portion to state.
- Reduce funding gap between school districts receiving basic per-pupil foundation allowance and those receiving maximum foundation allowance.
Should this proposed law be approved? ____ Yes ____ No
NFIB Position: Oppose. Vote no on Proposal 5.
NFIB/Michigan is:
- Charlie Owens, State Director
- Amanda Fisher, Assistant State Director/Grassroots Coordinator
- Diane Lazette, Division Manager, Sales
- Andrea Conarton, Administrative Assistant
NFIB/Michigan Phone: (517) 485-3409
