Don't Stop Michigan's Comeback

By all measures, Michigan is making a comeback. And as The Detroit News writes in an editorial today, "Don't Alter Michigan's Course." 

Their recommendation? Vote "YES" on Proposal 1 and "NO" on the rest.

Here are some facts about Michigan's comeback:

Unemployment has dropped 4.9 points since its 2009 high. Our income growth is the 8th best in the nation, while our GDP growth is 6th best. Our economy is at a 10-year high, home sales are up 10 percent, and there are 65,200 more jobs in our state since Governor Rick Snyder took office.

The policies that helped get us here? We have balanced the budget two years in a row. We eliminated the job-killing Michigan Business Tax. We reformed Michigan teacher pensions, and we created the tools to help rescue cities and school districts from fiscal crisis.

There's more that we can and must do to reinvent ourselves, but we can't do it if we tie our hands and enact policies that send us backward in time.

That's why Michigan voters should say "YES" to Proposal 1 and "NO" on the rest.

Here's how The Detroit News summarizes the importance of tomorrow's election.

Michigan has made major strides the past few years. With the leadership of Gov. Rick Snyder and the Legislature, the state has a balanced budget and an open door to business. Yet that could change drastically depending on the outcome of the election. That's why Snyder is taking a few days to travel the state by bus, encouraging citizens to protect Michigan's business-friendly environment. 

Our readers have surely noticed all the space we've devoted to the ballot proposals. We'd like to take this opportunity to once again highlight our stance on these issues and underscore why it would be a mistake to alter state laws, including the state Constitution. When voting, remember our slogan: Prop 1 is a Yes, No on the rest . Here's a brief overview of the proposals. 

Proposal 1 asks whether Michigan should keep the stronger emergency manager law. It should, as the law gives emergency managers broader authority to modify contracts and right city and school district finances in an efficient and timely manner. 

Proposal 2 seeks to cement collective bargaining rights in the state Constitution. That's not the place for it. In addition, the proposal poses a threat to numerous cost-saving measures the Legislature has passed in recent years and would revise more than 170 states laws, according to Attorney General Bill Schuette. 

Proposal 3 would amend the Constitution by requiring the state to acquire 25 percent of its energy from alternative sources by 2025. Some alternative energy sources are certainly worth pursuing, but placing this constraint in the Constitution would tie the state's hands. 

Proposal 4 centers on the unionization of home health care providers. These individuals are often caring for disabled family members and would see no benefit from the union dues that serve as a $6 million annual boon to the Service Employees International Union. 

Proposal 5 would amend the Constitution to require a two-thirds legislative supermajority to raise taxes in Michigan. While this may sound promising on its face, it would make it harder for lawmakers to cut deals. And it would allow a minority of legislators to stall reasonable legislation. 

Proposal 6 would place language in the Constitution requiring Michigan citizens to approve construction of any new bridge or tunnel from Michigan to Canada. Again, the Constitution isn't the venue for this debate. And the proposal specifically serves the interest of Ambassador Bridge owner Matty Moroun, who wants to hold on to his monopoly.