Congressman Kildee, former AG Schuette join labor, business, community groups to highlight Con-Con risks

‍FLINT, Mich. – Former Democratic Congressman Dan Kildee andformer Republican Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette joined a bipartisan coalition of organizations on Wednesday in Flint to urge Michiganders to vote NO on Proposal 1 on the Nov. 3 ballot. ‍ ‍

“This region knows what can happen when decisions are made without the voices of those communities most directly affected," saidKildee, who represented the region in Congress for 12 years before becoming CEO of the Community Foundation of Greater Flint. "We need to keep any changes to the state constitution in the hands of voters and vote NO on Proposal 1.”

Groups that participated in Wednesday’s press conference at the Flint Farmers Market highlighted the dangers of calling a Constitutional Convention (Con-Con), a measure that automatically appears as the first proposal on the November ballot every 16 years.

“The range of interests and priorities of those groups assembled here today show the importance of protecting Michigan’s constitution from a complete rewrite by a ‘chosen few,'" said Schuette, who has served as Michigan's attorney general, Congressman from mid-Michigan, State Senator, Agriculture Director and Appeals Court Judge. "A Con-Con would simply be a stage for special interests and wanna-be influencers to showcase social media skills and add nothing to important policy discussions which must occur in Michigan. A Constitutional Convention would be all about big-monied out of state groups wanting to short circuit the responsibilities of legislators and elected leaders to do their job. There are plenty of ways for people and the Legislature to amend Michigan’s Constitution right now.”

Wednesday’s press conference featured officials from the Michigan Community College Association (MCCA), North Flint Neighborhood Action Council,Flint & Genesee Chamber, the Greater Flint AFL-CIO Labor Council, the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, the Michigan Education Association and the building trades.

The Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce represents more than 1,100 member businesses across several industries in mid-Michigan and serves as the region's economic development organization.

“Michigan can’t afford a prolonged period of uncertainty over the fundamental rules of our state," said Andrew Younger, executive director of the Flint & Genesee Chamber. "A Con-Con would create confusion and make it difficult for businesses to plan for the future, make investments and create new jobs. Our state already has a process to make targeted changes in our constitution. It's a system that works and puts the power in the hands of voters.”

The North Flint Neighborhood Action Council is a local nonprofit dedicated to improving the quality of life in north Flint through community-driven initiatives, including safety, education and housing.

“A Con-Con could endanger hard-fought safeguards and protections," said Patrick McNeal, director of the North Flint Neighborhood Action Council. "A Con-Con has failed every time it has appeared on the ballot and it’s important that Michiganders vote NO again on Proposal 1 to keep the power to make thoughtful, targeted changes to the state constitution.” ‍

The Michigan Community College Association represents the 31 community colleges across the state that enroll nearly 300,000 students each year.

“Michigan’s community colleges provide affordable education and workforce training tailored to the needs of their local communities and employers,” said Kathleen Bruinsma, Michigan Community College Association board member. “A Constitutional Convention could put the flexibility that makes that possible at risk. Michigan must be laser focused on investing in institutions and educational pathways that create opportunity and strengthen communities.

The Greater Flint AFL-CIO Labor Council is made up of 56 union locals in the Flint metro area representing auto workers, electricians, iron workers, transportation workers, public service employees, teachers and firefighters.

“Michigan’s working families simply cannot afford the risks that come with a Con-Con,” said Sam Muma, president of the Greater Flint AFL-CIO Labor Council. “Opening up the state constitution for a complete overhaul is far too dangerous. We cannot allow extreme groups to seize control of a Con-Con and strip Michigan residents of their voice and power.”

A Con-Con could cost nearly $80 million, according to a preliminary analysis by the Michigan Senate Fiscal Agency. The high cost would waste money that could be used to help solve real problems in the state.  

“Construction projects that employ workers in the building trades require years of planning, investment and commitment, which make consistency especially important to these workers," said Jimmy Greene, former president of Associated Builders and Contractors. "A Con-Con would create significant disruption and give special interests an opportunity to influence rules that govern all of us. In Michigan, our focus should be on putting people to work, strengthening our infrastructure and growing our communities.”

A Constitutional Convention could create significant uncertainty for public education in Michigan, opening the door to changes to policies and funding for schools, said Michelle Gushen, a retired Flint teacher and president of Genesee Lifelong Education Association – Retired.

“A Con-Con could open the door to school voucher proposals that would redirect taxpayer dollars from neighborhood public schools to private schools, reducing resources for students and families in rural, urban and suburban communities,” Gushen said. “A Con-Con could weaken neighborhood public schools and create uncertainty for students, families and educators. We’re asking parents, educators and community members to vote NO on Proposal 1 so Michigan can focus on providing our kids a great education that prepares for them success long into the future.”

Protect MI Constitution from Special Interests is continuing to grow its supporter network. To join the list of supporters and find ways to help, visit protectmiconstitution.com.