For Immediate Release
Monday, Aug. 27, 2012
Contact: F. Vincent Vernuccio
Director of Labor Policy
Or
Ted O'Neil
Communications Associate
989-631-0900

MIDLAND — A panel of the Michigan Court of Appeals today voted 2-1 to put the “Protect Our Jobs” Amendment, which failed to get enough votes at the State Board of Canvassers, on the Nov. 6 ballot. The Michigan Supreme Court will likely hear the case later this week or early next week.

“This radical proposal holds ramifications for the state that are too comprehensive to be explained in the constitutionally mandated 100 words,” said F. Vincent Vernuccio, director of labor policy at the Mackinac Center for Public Policy.

Center analysts estimate the amendment’s reach — if adopted — could repeal to varying degrees some 170 Michigan laws and numerous parts of the Michigan Constitution.

“The court ruling is a disappointment and may allow special interests to fundamentally change how Michigan is governed. If the amendment passes, union contracts could supersede many state laws,” Vernuccio added.

“It is also noteworthy that some supporters of the amendment are attempting to bully the Supreme Court before the case has even been heard,” Vernuccio said. “Over the weekend, Gongwer News Service reported that several ‘Democratic sources’ threatened to use the money already raised for the ballot proposal against Supreme Court justices who are up for re-election if the court does not put the proposal on the ballot. While supporters have a First Amendment right to spend money on elections, this is a clear attempt to get the justices to stop considering the law and to start considering the politics. This should not be tolerated.”

For more information on the “Protect Our Jobs” Amendment and other ballot initiatives, visit www.miballot2012.org.

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