Major business groups across the state have put tens of thousands of dollars into the fight over ballot proposals in the November election as they fight measures ranging from collective bargaining guarantees in the state constitution, to increased renewable-energy mandates, to repeal of the state's emergency manager law.
Amy Lane of Crain's Detroit Business reports not every group has weighed in against everything. But the groups share one message: The state constitution is not the place to set policy in such areas as energy, labor or transportation.
"Michigan's constitution is under attack by special interests," Brad Williams, vice president of government relations for the Detroit Regional Chamber, told Lane.
As of Friday, four measures had secured spots on the ballot: the repeal of the state's emergency manager law and three constitutional amendments that would ensure collective bargaining rights for Michigan's home-help workers and require a statewide registry; require 25 percent of Michigan's electricity to come from renewable sources by 2025; and add eight casinos in the state.
