The 100-word summary for a state constitutional amendment to increase taxes on the rich to pay for schools, which was approved by the Board of State Canvassers, was pulled by the board Thursday because of a procedural error.
The constitutional amendment petition submitted by Invest in MI Kids included two petitions, one on June 10 – that ended up being pulled – and one on June 16. The public comment section for the June 10 petition ended on June 17 and the petition from June 16 was not in the public comment period long enough, so the board ended up having to pull the prior-approved 100-word summary.
“We were disappointed, but we’re still really excited, as Invest in MI Kids, that we’re going to get on the ballot. We’re going to get through what was a procedural error from the board, and we’re excited to be back on the agenda for the next meeting,” 482Forward Co-Director Molly Sweeney said.
Sweeney said Invest in MI Kids has 2,500 people waiting in the wings for the petition to be certified, and the delay would allow them to recruit more volunteers.
She said because the 100-word summary had already been approved by the Board of State Canvassers once, it was the group’s hope there would be no problems when it came up on the agenda.
“It’ll be easy. We already have it proofed, but it’ll just go through as a – hopefully – non-dramatic Board of Canvassers meeting,” Sweeney said.
She said the group wasn’t aware of when the petition would come up again, but said it could end up being at the meeting in August.
Small Business Association of Michigan CEO Brian Calley said his group would continue to oppose the 100-word summary that was put forward and said the constitutional amendment would hurt job creators in the state.
“Today is a victory for small business owners, but it is only temporary. The Board of Canvassers recognized that the process for receiving public comments did not follow proper procedures under the law,” Calley said.
He said they would be looking at altering the 100 words that were put in the initial petition because it would have an impact on small businesses.
“If this proposal is eventually approved, it will most hurt those with the greatest positive impact on the foundation of Michigan’s economy and future prosperity,” Calley said.
Article courtesy MIRS News for SBAM’s Lansing Watchdog newsletter
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