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Michigan Senate bills would revive dues skim for home health workers

Government employees can opt out of unions, but Senate Bill 790 would make it much harder

… November 2012, the people of Michigan rejected Proposal 4 of 2012. According to Ballotpedia, the people of Michigan rejected Proposal 4 by a 56-44 margin. The proposal would have allowed in-home care workers to collectively … more

Board approves language for ballot effort restoring local control of solar siting

Appointees of the governor can override local will, per Public Act 233 of 2023

… Canvassers approved its ballot language. The 94-word proposal, submitted by Citizens for Local Choice, reads: … facility development decisions. If enacted, this proposal will allow local units of government to continue … jurisdictions. The board approved the language in a 4-0 vote. The law would amend provisions of Public … more

Michigan’s 10 least-popular constitutional proposals since 1963

These 10 proposals got an overwhelmingly negative response at the ballot box

… have decided the fate of 82 proposals to amend the current state … in 1963. Out of the 82 proposals offered since the last constitutional … (“progressive”) income tax system. This proposal appeared on the 1968 ballot, … several times since then. If No. 4 had passed, the state could have … in nonpublic schools. This proposal on the 2000 ballot lost by … more

No, toll roads are not the answer in Michigan

Michigan will spend $4 billion on roads this year. It does not need to tap taxpayers for more money.

… Legislature’s $375 million increase in road funding. Whitmer had a failed proposal earlier that year to raise the fuel tax by 45 cents per gallon. After … and registration fees, that number increased to $3.6 million. In 2023 it’s $4 billion. Hohman added that toll roads would be fine as a strict user fee … more

Holland government broadband proposal follows troubled history

Other cities have broadband projects short on customers and swimming in debt

… will decide on the new debt issue in an August ballot initiative. The proposal closely follows broadband projects implemented in Marshall and in Traverse … feasible for many low-income residents. The city is also considering using $4 million in federal COVID money it received from the federal government through … more

CapCon’s Top 10 Stories Of 2020

COVID-19 dominated the news, but it wasn’t the only topic of great interest

… committing misdemeanor crimes under Michigan law. No. 4 (July 22): News site claims Whitmer defunding police, … gas tax increase she proposed in 2019. But that proposal would not have directed any additional resources … legislative consent. The court ruled, by a vote of 4-3, that the 1945 law violates the Michigan Constitution … more

State Budget 2022: Not Too Early to Cut Corporate and Industry Handouts

Michigan needs a fair field for all and favors for none

… With the new calendar year closing in, and a fiscal year 2021-22 budget proposal just a month or two away, it is worth reminding lawmakers that there is … but the state is also spending taxpayer money to encourage them to do so. 4. Job creation services: $22.3 million This line items funds employees in … more

Leading Scientists Condemn Lockdowns, Call For ‘Focused Protection’

25% of adults 18-24 have considered suicide during the pandemic

… and 33,938 medical practitioners in the 35 days since it was launched Oct. 4. The proposal is garnering ever more endorsements even as Michigan experiences record … more

Court Tosses Politicians’ Lawsuit Against Residents For Critical Comments

Action by township board members is a frivolous affront to free speech, circuit court rules

… NextDoor.com, in which they criticized local elected leaders and a 2019 proposal to raise township taxes. The court called the suit frivolous and an affront … falsehoods ... that could negatively impact our residents.” In the Aug. 4 primary election, Savoie, supervisor since 2011, was defeated. Kepes, who … more

Some Perspective: Michigan is Stronger Today

The state is in a more resilient position to weather an economic storm than at any time before

… the nation. 2. Personal property tax reform. Proposal 1 of 2014 relied on a vote of the people to minimize … by the inefficient personal property tax. The proposal created exemptions for the tax on businesses … stretching each dollar of construction work further. 4. Occupational licensure. This arena has also undergone … more

Disputed Union Wages Could Cost Taxpayers In County Construction Projects

Now Saginaw faces lawsuit over policy board approved by slim margin

… pays union wage rates for an extensive range of job categories. In a March 4 letter to the county, an attorney for the Michigan chapter of Associated Builders … provision removed via lawsuit.” Saginaw County commissioners have debated proposals to nullify the county’s prevailing wage policy — which critics claim make … more

Doubling Down on Government Preschool

New Whitmer pre-K proposal would further restrict family options

… pre-K learning for “educationally disadvantaged” 4-year-olds. At least 90% of the kids served must come … would provide only government-run preschool to 5,000 4-year-olds who live in select school districts. The … total. Her budget aims to nearly triple the number of 4-year-olds from these areas in government pre-K programs. … more

CapCon’s Top 10 Stories For 2019

Road Fix That Wasn’t, Gun-Free Zones, 1,100 Windmills Won’t Replace This Coal Plant

… web traffic, was about Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s proposal for an annual state budget that required a permanent … an estimated $1.26 billion, Whitmer’s budget proposal only allocated a $764 million more to transportation … state money only, not federal or local dollars. No. 4 Headline: Republicans Imposed Medicaid Work Requirements; … more

Legislative Year Finishes With High Fiscal Notes

Solid changes to public policy deserve applause

… too, was backdrop on a $2.5 billion tax increase proposal which was made by the governor but not considered … the Legislature. The governor’s first budget proposal included a recommendation to trim $5 million … recommendations, and its members voted in favor of $4 million worth of cuts that line item. The state Senate … more

The Corporate Welfare Lady Protests Too Much

Evidence shows subsidy efforts are ineffective

… testified in favor of Good Jobs, then just a proposal, had apparently been part of past MEGA deals. … related to the subject matter, not the statute or proposal, respectively.) MEGA Statute: “The local governmental … satisfies all of the requirements of subsection (4), subject to subsection (6), the fund shall determine … more

School Aid Budget Proposals Not That Far Off

Legislature approves 99% of what Whitmer seeks without a tax hike

… “game-changing,” even though the resulting 4% increase is smaller than Gov. … several versions of its own proposal before agreeing to a school … the two remaining budget proposals — more than half of which … Legislature’s new school aid proposal: “I feel like I’ve been punched … rightly resisted the governor’s proposal to fund cyber school pupils … more

Budget Reforms: In Praise of Cuts to Corporate Welfare

Tax increases aren't the only way to find funding

… million cut to the Pure Michigan program, a 14% reduction. The budget proposal passed by the House recommended $4 million in cuts. Government tourism promotion is an ineffective economic … more

Union Proposes Trimming Retiree Health Benefits to Save Money; Opposed It When Taxpayers Were Footing the Bill

Michigan Education Association asking its retirees to pay more and get less

… to pay 20% of their premiums. At the time, the typical teacher paid only 4%, while the average private sector worker paid 22-27%. The move has saved … Doug Pratt, in an MLive story. And since then, the MEA has supported proposals to remove aspects of recent cost-saving efforts. But now the union has … more

Overselling Whitmer’s Education Budget

Increase in line with years past, not 'game-changing' and 'historic'

… Gretchen Whitmer’s K-12 budget proposal represents a dramatic break … Press described Whitmer’s proposal in momentous terms: “It would … funds. That reduces Whitmer’s proposal from $526 million to $523 … increase in state dollars to 4% over the last budget enacted … the calculation, Whitmer’s proposal falls short in percentage … more

The Cost of Road Building is Spiking, and That’s a Problem

MDOT chief says system can handle it

… percent back in 2009 as the federal stimulus of $1 billion rolled in. The proposal today is for a $2.5 billion increase in a year and a half — at a time … decade, Michigan is set to double state spending on roads – from $2 billion to $4 billion. The state does need to spend more on roads and bridges to counter … more

Analysis of the D.R.I.V.E. Alternative on No-Fault Reform

Proposal would increase lawsuits, incentivize fraud and drive insurers out of state

… of 94-15 in the House and 34-4 in the Senate. Gov. Gretchen … two other ways that this proposal will increase the cost of … as you used to. Under this proposal, you would likely be eligible … function. The other way this proposal would increase costs to Michigan’s … respect fraudulent,” the proposal says that this fraudulent … more

There is Waste in Michigan’s Budget

Not all of it can be cut immediately, but some can redirected to roads now

… state road spending in Michigan from $2 billion to $4 billion. This gradual spending increase was made … taxpayers less than other budget areas — her proposal calls for increasing fuel taxes to pay for road … prefer a more measured approach. Polls done on the proposal to hike the gas tax show that it garnered support … more

The Roads Are Crumbling And Have Always Been Crumbling

Michigan media has been breaking the story going on 30 years

… crumbling roads was launched last week with proposals to nearly double vehicle registration fees, switch … authorize local increases of other taxes.” April 4, 2007 The Herald-Palladium Headline: House gets … progress in rebuilding crumbling roads as a result of a 4-cent gas tax increase in 1997 and more than $300 … more

More Money for Preschool Not the Answer

Proposal to boost great start funding doesn't add up

… part of her first budget proposal, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer wants … subsidize preschool enrollment for 4-year-olds who are "educationally … office services. Whitmer's proposal to increase GSRP funding … subsidize preschool for all 4-year-olds. With Whitmer's newly … eligible, nearly 60 percent of all 4-year-olds statewide. Of those … more

State Officials Question Detroit’s Universal Preschool Plans

Is this the best use of that money? Can the city manage the program?

… plan to provide preschool to 4-year-olds. The concerns, outlined … According to the memo, Detroit’s proposal did not take into account … not presented a clear case for 4-year-old need,” it reads. The … government-funded preschool to all or most 4-year-olds in the city comes as … government-funded preschool to every 4-year-old in Michigan. About … more

State Dems Want Public Education To Do And Spend More

Universal preschool programs could cost taxpayers $826.5 million

… begun putting some of these proposals into bill form. On Nov. … the cost of preschool for all 4-year-olds whose household income … schools. One of Whitmer’s main proposals, and also one of the most … Readiness Program” to all Michigan 4-year-olds over a four-year period. … each of the roughly 114,000 4-year-olds in the state would … more

Helping More Michigan Students Learn to Read

Campaign promises are likely not enough

… candidates have addressed the issue with a variety of proposals, as recently reported by The Detroit News. While some of their proposals may work better than others, none get to the … of the law. She instead champions enrolling all 4-year-olds in tax-funded preschool, saying it is "the … more

State's Corporate Welfare Partner Claims Thousands of Economists Support Stadium Subsidies

But economists uniformly oppose dinging taxpayers for projects like $125 million Kalamazoo facility

… also called for placing before voters a ballot proposal, which would levy a 1 percent tax on restaurant … local economic benefits that are generated.” Only 4 percent disagreed while none were in strong disagreement … proposed a new events center in Kalamazoo. The proposal failed. In 1974, the Greenleaf Hospitality Group … more

Policy Proposed for Medicaid Workers Too Broad, Harms Patients and Consumers

… recovery coaches, parent support partners and home care providers. (Under the proposal, people with a criminal record could provide some home health care if … regulations at the state and federal level. According to one federal estimate, 4 million Michigan residents have some sort of criminal record. Policies such … more

Many More Walk To Work As Take Subsidized Transit in Michigan

Politicians talking metro transit tax again, but costly buses and trains benefit few

… again talking-up a regional transit property tax proposal for the November ballot in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb and Washtenaw counties. A similar proposal in November 2016 would have imposed $4.6 billion … public transit services; 96,000 people walk and 4 million people drive. Ten percent of Michigan gas … more

Some Teachers In This District In Line For 17 Percent Pay Hikes

But superintendent says his schools are underfunded

… to the Legislature on Feb. 7. They include a proposal to increase public school spending by $312 million, … amount,” Roedel said. “When the Governor makes a proposal that is a 3% increase, and it's the largest in … increases.” Most step increases are for a raise of 4 to 5 percent, but going from the 10th to the 11th … more

City’s Politicians Strive To Beat The Clock Spending Federal Money

‘We are trying very desperately to save this money’

… was sold for about $11,000 last year. After the council rejected the proposal by a 4-3 vote, it scheduled a special meeting and approved spending most of the federal … more

Detroit Would Mandate Video Surveillance, Make Businesses Pay

ACLU, others concerned; live video to police from inside thousands of firms

… require businesses that are open until a certain time of night — initially 4 a.m. but possibly 10 p.m. – to participate in the Detroit Police Department’s … businesses. There’s no official timeline for the City Council taking up the proposal, but according to John Roach, the mayor’s director of media relations, … more

Best Of The Best

CapCon’s most popular stories from 2017

… ($76,911), Warren Consolidated Schools ($76,465) and Allen Park ($76,359). No. 4 story: U-M Student Newspaper: Shouting Down Speakers Doesn’t Infringe Free … criticizing recently introduced legislation dealing with campus speech. The proposals would require Michigan’s state universities and colleges to adopt policies … more

How Right-to-Work and the End of the 'Dues Skim' Killed the SEIU in Michigan

Membership, revenue and political spending plummet

… Healthcare-Michigan then tried to pass a ballot proposal, which would have enshrined this scheme in the Michigan Constitution. But Proposal 4 of 2012 went down overwhelmingly and the “dues … during the high-water 2012 election and ballot proposal year. All of this goes to show that this SEIU … more

Federal Tax Proposal Not Perfect, but Good for Michigan, Nation

Reform plans are on the right track

… government employees, it belongs to those who earn it in the first place. This proposal will allow more people to keep more of what they make. It makes the lives … over the last 8 years — we are already at 3 percent — this take us up to 4 percent. This is a very strong, pro-growth, job-creating package.” Grover’s … more

Cutting Federal Great Lakes Funding Would Not Be an Environmental and Economic Crisis

… was barraged by a string of concerns related to President Trump’s budget proposal. Michigan’s senior senator, Debbie Stabenow, highlighted her concerns … associated with federal environmental spending. With the GLRI receiving almost 4 percent of the total EPA annual budget, fiscal oversight of it is essential … more

Federal Spending To Top $4 Trillion in 2017, Highest Ever

Up $210 billion from last year

… stories from federal bureaucrats complaining about Trump administration proposals to cut next year's budget. Yet federal spending this year is projected to break $4 trillion for the first time, according to White House budget documents. The … more

Government Internet Coming to Traverse City

Taxpayers on the hook for risky broadband plan

… Morand, the regional spokesman for Charter Communications, called the proposal “a solution in search of a problem.” Proponents like Kent Wood, the director … between 30 megabits per second for $35 and 1 gigabit per second for $160. Only 4 percent of the utility’s internet customers pay for internet faster than 30 … more

Election Today! And Plenty of Taxpayer-Funded Electioneering, Too

Schools and local governments drive trucks through election-law loophole

… the vast majority being tax hike proposals for public school districts. A … district’s website asks, “Why is this proposal necessary?” The district’s answer: … Ann Arbor Public Schools is running a 4 1/2-minute video that promotes a tax … governments from “referencing” a ballot proposal they place on the ballot during the … more

Back to the MEGA Future: Good Jobs for Michigan Reinvents Failed MEGA Program

Proposed law shares remarkable similarities with old, failed law

… think that this tax capture proposal will be any more effective … closely resembles the GJFM proposal finds: “recipients are statistically … and SB 242, the new MEGA proposal. The bolded material is meant … matter, not the statute or proposal, respectively.) MEGA Statute: … requirements of subsection (4), subject to subsection (6), … more

Michigan Taxpayers Don’t Need to Spend Another $4 Billion Annually on Infrastructure

… claiming it says that Michigan needs $4 billion each year in extra infrastructure … considering that voters rejected a proposal to increase the existing mandate … increases proposed in the ill-fated Proposal 1 of 2015 wouldn’t have generated … report makes a very weak case for taking $4 billion from taxpayers and spending … more

House Republican Policy Plan Lays the Groundwork for Action

Pensions, education, criminal justice all areas ripe for change

… system. That system costs the state $4 billion each year and its liabilities … paycheck to paycheck. We will consider proposals to improve the current tax system … House should hold the line on new proposals, cut back on what we are paying, … child’s education. We will support proposals to fund students instead of institutions, … more

Michigan Taxpayers Don’t Need to Spend $4 Billion Annually on Infrastructure

Recent report has been misinterpreted

… claiming it says that Michigan needs $4 billion each year in additional infrastructure … considering that voters rejected a proposal to increase this mandate to 25 percent … increases proposed in the ill-fated Proposal 1 of 2015 wouldn’t have generated … report makes a very weak case for taking $4 billion from taxpayers and spending … more

Be Wise in Deciding How to Spend Taxpayer Funds on Infrastructure

… Commission has announced that the state should spend $4 billion more each year on several policy areas, including … principle. Those who drive more should pay more. 4. Identify and recommend ways to direct more money … integrity, it’s politically smart. Part of the reason Proposal 1 of 2015 (promoted primarily as a road funding … more

State Health Policy Toolkit

10 reforms state lawmakers can implement now

… electronic and other tools to “systematically and routinely” verify eligibility. 4. Unwind the Medicaid Expansion Problem: This state cannot depend on the federal … regime that governs health insurance. Not-so-good news: A Senate-passed proposal for a pilot program extending the same benefits to Medicaid recipients … more

Ann Arbor Council Defies State Law, Bans Cigarette Sales to Adults Age 18 to 20

'The tobacco lobby has inflicted enough misery'

… to raise the legal purchasing age from 18. The Council voted 9-2 on Aug. 4 for an ordinance sponsored by Council Member Julie Grand, a Democrat representing … vice president of research for the Reason Foundation, studied a similar proposal in Chicago, which was later enacted. He said Ann Arbor will likely see … more

Four Questions About the Detroit Public Schools Plan

Legislators should be skeptical of the Detroit Education Commission

… contentious part of the rescue plan is a proposal to create a new Detroit Education … district since 2009. The Senate proposal’s prospects are uncertain in the Michigan … about schools (she later apologized). 4. Why is the commission concerned about … the interests behind the Senate’s proposal also looking to “claw-back” the thousands … more

Sports Stadium Deals Consistently Strike Out

Cities fail to negotiate deals that protect taxpayers

… revenue from the naming rights for the stadium, which is worth just under $4 million per year. Sen. McCaskill’s proposal would require the Rams to pay back the $100 million the city still owes. … more

Use a Charter School Board to Reorganize Detroit Public Schools

… features of Gov. Snyder’s plan, including his proposal to use local property taxes to pay off Detroit … would amount to only about $70 per pupil or about 4 percent of what DPS currently spends on administration. … runs its own Office of Charter Schools. This proposal could be as simple as expanding that office and … more

Will Republicans Backtrack on Corporate Welfare Cuts?

Many economic development programs receive bipartisan support

… Plan: Creating Manufacturing Jobs, Spurring Business Investment top GOP Proposal.” Their nine-point plan featured prominently the renewal of the Michigan … he simply replaced it with a smaller subsidy program. He also approved a $4 million increase in the state industrial subsidy for tourism advertising, … more

Michigan Road Spending Near an All-Time High

And just as much as state would have spent if Proposal 1 passed

… level it would have been had voters approved Proposal 1 in May. “This year’s road funding budget is … provide slightly more than $50 million and about $4 million comes from interdepartmental grants. The … amount that the proposed long-term solution (Proposal 1) was expected to generate.” ~~~~~ See also: … more

Michigan Schools Receive Over $12,500 Per Student

The history of education spending

… legislative deal last December to get Democratic legislators to support the Proposal 1 tax increase ballot measure, which was defeated by voters on May 5 of … and down, so too has enrollment. Public school enrollment in the state is 4 percent below what it was in 1995. It rose for a few years after that, peaking … more

Township Votes Down Wind Energy Project

Meade voters shot down plan for 48 wind turbines

… wind energy project. On May 5, voters rejected a proposal to allow Detroit Edison to erect up to 48 wind … turbines. In November, the Meade Township board voted 4-1 to approve the project. In reaction, local residents … property values. In 2012 Michigan voters rejected Proposal 3 by a vote of 62 to 38 percent. That statewide … more

Love it or Hate it, Voters are Aware of Proposal 1

Poll suggests substantial turnout on May 5

… side in the battle over the Proposal 1 sale tax increase on the … poll, conducted April 1, 2, and 4, consisted of robocalls placed … landlines. ~~~~~ See also: Proposal 1 Will Cost Average Michigan … Taxes Michigan's May Tax Proposal Policy Brief: Proposal 1 of 2015 more

The Cost of the Proposal 1: The May Tax Vote

… the typical taxpayer. The proposal increases sales and use taxes … in 2016 if voters approve Proposal 1. There are two proposed … $136 in 2016. Under the proposal, this new fuel tax would … based on inflation. But the proposal’s drafters used an odd formula … rate would increase between 4 and 14 percent above inflation, … more

School Reformers Have ‘Significant Concerns’ About State Superintendent Finalist

Superintendent: ‘I am not opposed to charter schools ... they are now part of the fabric of Michigan Public Education’

… district’s website. In 2012, Markavitch toured the state, criticizing the proposal, which never passed. Advocates of charter schools are concerned Markavitch … organization without reporting it. The school had an arrangement with a 501c(4) lobbying group called the Tri-County Alliance. Public tax dollars are used … more

Plot to Kill Film Credits Begins to Look Plausible

… next year. Ballenger continued: In addition, there is also the ballot proposal (to be voted on statewide May 5) that the governor wants to see get passed. … Committee on Feb. 25. It could be reported out of the committee as soon as March 4. While passage by the full House is not considered a slam dunk, neither would … more

Michigan Sales Tax Hike Proposal May Provide Schools With Less

What the law says now and what it would be changed to

The tax hike proposal that goes before Michigan voters on May … unfounded and the language in the proposal not only wouldn’t create … exists. Under the ballot proposal, the state sales tax would … percent since passage of Proposal A in 1994. In the Michigan … split in two portions — the 4 percent that had existed prior … more

The Best of the Best: CapCon's Top 10 Stories of 2014

Police seize property; religious discrimination in school contracts; Obamacare piles on disabled family’s burdens

… and federal government subsidies and mandates. 4. Non-Christian Teachers Given ‘Special Consideration’ … Sense of the Complicated Ballot Language for Proposal 1 Confusing ballot language about an important tax reform proposal on the August ballot aroused understandable suspicion … more

Two Wins for Freedom from Union Coercion in 2014

The end of the dues skim and the busting of the 'August Window'

… the date on the calendar. Harris v. Quinn In a 5-4 decision on June 30, the United States Supreme Court … to keep it alive temporarily, while putting a proposal on the ballot to embed the scheme in the Michigan … were already in place), but voters rejected the proposal. Gov. Rick Snyder took the last administrative … more

School Budgets Safe Under ‘No New Taxes’ House Road Funding Package

Critics ignore key provisions in bills

… passed a version of road funding legislation Dec. 4 that did not include a tax increase, a cry went up … continues. “There are a number of bills and proposals to raise money to fix our roads that don’t take … other parts of our budget, and those are the proposals we should be considering,” said Rep. Marilyn … more

House Road Plan Is Solid

A way to fix roads without raising gas taxes

Editor's Note: On Dec. 4 the state House approved a road reform package similar … Retirement System or perhaps adopting a proposal to put a Taxpayer Bill of Rights … are two major reasons to like this proposal: it doesn’t unnecessarily raise taxes … economy. That makes the Senate’s proposal to take an additional $1 billion … more

October 24, 2014, MichiganVotes Weekly Report

Extend film subsidies, and more key votes from 2014

… this week. Senate Bill 1103, Extend film producer subsidies: Passed 32 to 4 in the Senate on October 22 To eliminate a 2017 sunset on the law authorizing … this measure by the Senate and House (below) means the anti-wolf hunt proposals on the 2014 ballot will not go into effect even if a majority of voters … more

October 10, 2014, MichiganVotes Weekly Report

… sales tax: Failed 12 to 26 in the Senate on March 4, 2014 To "tie-bar" a bipartisan personal property … marijuana use: Passed 31 to 7 in the Senate on March 4, 2014 To prohibit the possession or use of medical … seen as a Republican gambit to preempt a ballot proposal mandating that employers pay even higher minimums. … more

Making Sense Of The Complicated Ballot Language For Proposal 1

Personal property tax cut would result in $500 million tax decrease when fully phased in

Proposal 1 on the Aug. 5 ballot would cut personal property … Hohman, who researched the proposal and wrote a policy brief … voters into thinking the proposal will raise taxes. The ballot … language on such a complicated proposal. "Let me put it this way, … to local school districts. 4. Prohibit Authority from increasing … more

Michigan Families Set Stage For Helping End Forced Unionization Schemes

Supreme Court ruled daycare, home-based caregivers not public employees and can't be unionized

… dues skim was endangered, the SEIU bankrolled Proposal 4 in 2012 to try to lock it into the state constitution. Backers of the proposal attempted to fool uninformed voters that the proposal would create programs that, in reality, had already … more

Supreme Court Rules Unionization Schemes Involving Home-Based Care Providers Are Illegal

Mackinac Center represented workers similar to those in Illinois who were forced to pay union dues simply because they got state money

… forced to pay union dues. The Justices ruled 5-4 in favor of an Illinois mom and a group of Illinois … scheme locked into the Michigan Constitution. Proposal 4 on last November's ballot would have done just … for concealing that it bankrolled the ballot proposal.  Before the decision, the Heritage Institute's … more

Audit Shows SEIU 'Dues Skim' Likely Bolstered By Extra $3.7 Million; Union-Run Registry Ineffective

… state constitution with Proposal 4, the registry became its centerpiece. But first the Proposal 4 campaign tried to claim the proposal would create a program that … been exposed, proponents of Proposal 4 acted as though the registry, … for the SEIU that funded Proposal 4, did not respond to a request … more

Small Business Owner: An Increased Minimum Wage Hurts Everyone

… y Kevin Kelly The ballot proposal that would raise Michigan's … Research indicates that today 1 in 4 restaurants fail in the first … increase significantly with this proposal. Furthermore, future investments … The coalition behind this proposal suggests that this increase … this minimum wage increase proposal. They stated that if approved, … more

SEIU Membership Drops 80 Percent After Dues Skim Ends

Union loses $4.2 million in dues and fees

… In addition, the SEIU, the international union behind the SEIU Healthcare Michigan, was fined almost $200,000 for concealing that it bankrolled Proposal 4 of 2012 — the failed ballot effort to lock the forced unionization of home-based caregivers into the state constitution. According to state officials, … more

Poll Shows Solid Opposition To Detroit Bailout

State Rep.: 'I am not going to bail out the City of Detroit on the backs of the families and taxpayers of Northern Michigan'

… voters in Michigan oppose Gov. Rick Snyder’s proposal to send $350 million in state funding to help … bankruptcy. According to the poll results the proposal is just as unpopular among Independents, who … respondents by geographic area was as follows: Detroit, 4 percent; Wayne County other than Detroit, 12 percent; … more

Happy Anniversary Proposal A

… Michigan voters approved "Proposal A," a fundamental overhaul … increasing the state sales tax from 4 percent to 6 percent, the imposition … After the initial rollback, Proposal A capped property tax increases … after inflation. The other Proposal A promises have held up better. … and May. In contrast, the Proposal A limit on property assessment … more

SEIU Fined Almost $200,000 Over Actions Tied To 2012 Ballot Proposal Campaign

Union suffers another loss related to dues skim, which took more than $34 million from home-based caregivers

… concealing that it bankrolled Proposal 4 in 2012, which would have … finance violations surrounding Proposal 4. According to a press release … backing of the failed ballot proposal." The penalties are part … the campaign committee for Proposal 4. Home Care First was the … created at the start of the Proposal 4 campaign to shield the fact … more

Bars, Restaurants Could See 280 Percent Increase in Labor Costs With Minimum Wage Ballot Proposal

Small business owners fear negative consequences; group pushing proposal disagrees

… Arbor, said he thinks the proposal would put restaurants and … tipped workers. If the ballot proposal were to pass, Michigan would … a solution." The ballot proposal language for Raise Michigan … signatures by May 28 to place the proposal on the November ballot. … employment by approximately 4 to 12 percent," he said. (Editor's … more

February 14, 2014, MichiganVotes Weekly Vote Report

… state itself borrowed under the 1998 “Clean Michigan Initiative” ballot proposal, which authorized $675 million of new government debt (“bond sales”) for … or royalty paid to the state on oil and gas extracted from state land to 4 percent for hydrocarbons extracted using “enhanced recovery” technology, which … more

Minimum Wage, Minimum Employment

… hear a long list of policy proposals and counter proposals, including perhaps some formal … the recent “SeaTac” ballot proposal for a minimum wage hike to … wage is associated with a 2- to 4-percent decline in state GDP … and it increased turnout by 4 percent.” His article sources … more

Despite Claim, Tax Cuts Have Not 'Overwhelmed' Michigan

Michigan has seen more major tax increase than reductions

… decreased. The increases Since 1994, sales and use taxes increased from 4 percent to 6 percent. Tobacco taxes increased from 25 cents per pack to $2 … past 20 years. "We've had major tax changes, certainly," Wolfram said. "Proposal A, Single Business Tax, those are major policy changes. Tax cuts have … more

Michigan's Voter Approved Ban On Racial Preferences Goes Before U.S. Supreme Court

… (MCRI), which was on the statewide ballot as Proposal 2. At the time, it was opposed by the Democrat … arguments by whim." In the Grutter case, U-M won in a 5-4 decision with the argument that it had a compelling … the MCRI. "I think our basic argument is that Proposal 2 (MCRI) prohibits people who want to increase … more

Legal Foundation Defends Clients Caught in a Catch-22

… Service Employees International Union before it finally ended earlier this year. Voters seem to agree. Last November, they overwhelmingly rejected Proposal 4, which would have enshrined the forced unionization scheme in the Michigan Constitution. Gov. Rick Snyder signed legislation in April 2012 making … more

U.S. Supreme Court Agrees To Look At Forced Unionization

Illinois case could free home-based caregivers nationwide

… Federation of Independent Business filed an amicus brief in the case on Jan. 4, 2012. "We were in the middle of a similar legal battle here in Michigan … union attempt to place the unionization in the state constitution with Proposal 4 was soundly defeated by 14 percentage points. Gov. Snyder later forced … more

SEIU Under Investigation over Prop 4

'Dues Skim' took $35 million from Medicaid recipients

… International Union regarding its financing of a ballot proposal last year. Proposal 4, which would have locked into the state constitution … Affordable Quality Home Care sponsored the ballot proposal. In campaign finance reports, the group claimed … more

July 12, 2013, MichiganVotes.org Weekly Vote Report

… (WPW vs. Troy) which held that the Constitutional tax cap put in place by Proposal A in 1994 capped annual increases in the assessments of commercial property … jet fuel: Passed 21 to 16 in the Senate on June 19 To cut from 6 percent to 4 percent the sales tax imposed on sales of jet fuel. Who Voted "Yes" And Who … more

July 5, 2013, MichiganVotes.org Weekly Vote Report

… (WPW vs. Troy) which held that the Constitutional tax cap put in place by Proposal A in 1994 capped annual increases in the assessments of commercial property … jet fuel: Passed 21 to 16 in the Senate on June 19 To cut from 6 percent to 4 percent the sales tax imposed on sales of jet fuel. Who Voted "Yes" and Who … more

Oakland Schools and the Tri-County Alliance

Focused on more money, less parental choice

… state with claims that the schools are receiving less money as a result of Proposal A. Actually, total spending by districts is much higher than it was in … is even acknowledged (before recent reforms, teachers paid an average of 4 percent of their own health care premiums and more than 300 plans statewide … more

Democrat Contradictions: Corporate Tax Breaks Bad, But Incentives for Hollywood Good

Dems criticize MEDC, but want to give more money to millionaire movie moguls

… post-production work it did on the movie Spy Kids 4. The website, boxofficemojo.com, notes Spy Kids 4 had a $27 million production budget and has grossed … MEDC for far too long has wasted tax dollars on proposals that don't work and it must stop." Michigan … more

How Taxpayers Are Funding Political Lobbying

Tri-County Alliance operates as a front for school districts political lobbying efforts

… Enter the Tri-County Alliance. The TCA is a 501c(4) non-profit, which means it is a tax-exempt organization … gave our kids in 2011." The governor's budget proposal at the time added about 2 percent to the school … asking how they determined that Legislature proposals would "again cut funding" for districts was not … more

Confirmed: The SEIU 'Dues Skim' Finally Ends

Home-based caregivers no longer losing money to union

… went to great lengths to continue taking the money, including putting Proposal 4 on the 2012 statewide ballot. Had Proposal 4 passed, the forced unionization would have been locked into the State … more

Legislators Chip Away at Proposal A Property Tax Limits

Legislation would break 1994 promise to taxpayers

… constitutional amendment known as Proposal A to both overhaul school … promises, which they may do with a 3/4 supermajority vote in the House … expenses of the type covered by Proposal A’s restrictions on new millage … spending items restricted by the Proposal A promise. Some of these … expenses of the type covered by Proposal A millage limitations. Three … more

SEIU 'Dues Skim' and U-M Research Assistant Bills Brought On Proposal 2

Issues brought to the forefront by the Mackinac Center cited by UAW President as reasons for ballot proposal

… key role in bringing about Proposal 2. That's what United Auto … claimed in a recent interview. Proposal 2 on the 2012 ballot was … In the wake of the ballot proposal's defeat, Michigan became … led to the unions putting Proposal 2 on the ballot. Excerpts … home-based caregivers on March 4, will be the last ones with SEIU … more

UAW Prez: SEIU ‘Dues Skim’ More Important Than RTW

… mostly without their knowledge or consent. Many of the families reached out to the Mackinac Center to have their voices heard and to criticize “Proposal 4,” a proposed state constitutional amendment that would have effectively locked these caregivers into the Service Employees International Union for … more

SEIU 'Dues Skim' Finally Grinding To A Halt

… checks would be going out sometime around March 4. "The legal prospects seem pretty clear," Krause … the MQC3. Nonetheless, the SEIU bankrolled Proposal 4 in November, which would have locked the forced … privileges and they overwhelmingly defeated Proposal 4. In its final weeks of the MQC3's existence, … more

Right-to-Work Law Means Less Money For Union Political Power Grabs

… when labor unions pushed the Proposal 2 ballot initiative, his … Democratic Party pushed a ballot proposal "Reform Michigan Government … outlining the scheme. The proposal was roundly criticized in … variety of labor unions pushed Proposal 2 (discussed above) and Proposal 4, which would have locked … more

Most of the Arrested Anti-Right-to-Work Protesters Have SEIU 'Dues Skim' Connections

Son of SEIU Healthcare Michigan president one of those facing charges

… SEIU dues skim is the result of the forced unionization of Michigan's home-based caregivers that began in 2005 when Jennifer Granholm was governor. Proposal 4 on the 2012 statewide ballot was the union's unsuccessful effort to keep the forced unionization alive permanently. Joshua Kersting and seven others … more

Per-Pupil Spending About Even

… public school options. The proposal has received harsh criticism … to the facts. The Oxford proposal would expand school districts’ … serving high school students[4] spent $7,584 on average. Per-pupil … average in Oakland County was only 4 percent more than what is spent … exceed 9th grade; 48 schools [4] Grade configurations that included … more

SEIU 'Dues Skim' Days Are Numbered

Work to get caregivers their money back continues

… of the MQC3 changed hands, the union's last hope was the approval of Proposal 4, which would have locked the forced unionization in the state constitution. Voters soundly rejected Proposal 4 by a margin of 56 percent against to 44 percent in favor. ~~~~~ See … more

The Human Side of Right-to-Work Legislation

These are real people who have been hurt by forced unionization

… use it for politics — to try and lock the dues skim into the state constitution: It failed. Every newspaper in the state editorialized against Proposal 4. The Detroit Free Press called it "easy to dismiss" and The Detroit News said it was a "crass power grab." Several families reached out to Michigan … more

Extra Early Voting Opportunity in Heavily Democratic Area Raises Eyebrows

'One clerk decided the voters of one city would get a voting opportunity those in the rest of the state didn't get'

… portion of Lansing. The timing, noon to 4 p.m., coincided with people getting … saying 'Vote Today.' There was a pro-Proposal 2 tent (a union-backed ballot initiative) right … voters who weren't clear on the proposals. It looked to me like they were … hours the polls were open, from noon to 4 p.m., were those chosen to accommodate … more

Ideas For Fixing the Financial Manager Law

… emergency manager law, Public Act 4 of 2011, by voting against Proposal 1. This reinstates the older … would eliminate both Public Acts 4 and 72 and made their case to … about the differences between PA 4 and PA 72. The most material … clarifications that Public Act 4 made. The first version of Public … more

Connecticut Now Struggling With Caregiver Unionization Efforts

SEIU loss in Michigan not stopping the union

… should be on its last legs with the rejection of Proposal 4, but a similar forced unionization plan exists in Connecticut. Michigan Proposal 4, which would have locked a scheme orchestrated … Dohn Hoyle, was the head of the unsuccessful Proposal 4 campaign. "Our concerns only involve the people … more