Business, labor, democracy groups: Vote NO on Con-Con to protect Michigan’s constitution
LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Chamber of Commerce, the Michigan Education Association (MEA), the Business Leaders For Michigan (BLM), the Michigan AFL-CIO, the Michigan League of Conservation Voters (MLCV) and the League of Women Voters of Michigan (LWVMI) on Thursday joined together to urge a NO vote on a Constitutional Convention, a ballot question that Michigan voters will face in November.
Representing a wide range of businesses, workers, conservation advocates and voters across Michigan, several highly influential organizations with members on both sides of the aisle joined Protect MI Constitution from Special Interests (PMCFSI) in encouraging a NO vote on Proposal 1.
Proposal 1 will ask Michiganders whether to support calling a Constitutional Convention, a question put to voters every 16 years. The broad-based coalition is working together to protect Michigan’s constitution and ensure it cannot be hijacked and rewritten in a way that allows narrow special interests to reshape the state’s main governing document.
Quotes from organizations that are part of this growing coalition:
“A Constitutional Convention is a long, drawn-out process that risks years of uncertainty and gridlock in Michigan, creating real challenges for job providers who rely on stability and predictability to invest and grow. While there’s room to update our state’s constitution, most issues can be addressed without reopening the entire document – and there’s no guarantee a convention would deliver better outcomes, particularly given out-of-state and special interest influence or sweeping, single-issue agendas that could stall investment and job growth in Michigan.” __ Wendy Block, senior vice president of business advocacy at the Michigan Chamber.
“For the sake of our kids, we must all work together to strengthen our hometown schools and provide every student an opportunity for success. We’re asking parents, educators and community members to stand up for Michigan students and their future by voting no on Proposal 1.” __ Chandra Madafferi, a teacher from Oakland County and president and CEO of the MEA, which represents about 120,000 educators throughout the state.
“A Constitutional Convention would introduce years of uncertainty at a time when Michigan needs to focus on attracting investment and growing jobs. Long-term investment depends on stability and predictability. Opening up the constitution risks companies pausing or reconsidering major investments, putting future growth at risk. At a time when we’re working to make Michigan the easiest state to build and grow, this creates unnecessary uncertainty that could slow our momentum.” __ Becky Burtka, vice president of strategic communications and public affairs at Business Leaders For Michigan.
“Michigan working families simply can’t afford a Con-Con. While a Con-Con sounds like it might empower regular people, in fact opening up our entire constitution would allow it to be hijacked, risking the ability of everyday Michiganders to have their voices heard. It’s just too risky.” __ Ron Bieber, president of the Michigan AFL-CIO.
“Voters have said no to a Con-Con by huge margins every time it has come to a vote, and for good reason. A Constitutional Convention would allow political insiders and deep-pocketed special interests to take power away from the people of Michigan, which is why voters should reject Proposal 1 in November.” __ Lisa Wozniak, CEO and president of MLCV.
“Michiganders could see their voting access stripped away and their voices silenced if a Con-Con is approved. A Con-Con would open the door to extremists circumventing the will of Michigan voters.” __ Denise Hartsough, co-president of the League of Women Voters of Michigan.
Protect MI Constitution from Special Interests is continuing to grow its supporter network. To learn more and join the list of supporters and find ways to help, visit protectmiconstitution.com.
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