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Coalition Opposes Con-Con

6/18/2010

MMA is part of a large and growing coalition, Citizens Protecting Michigan’s Constitution, which opposes a constitutional convention (Con-Con) to rewrite the Michigan Constitution. The coalition believes a Con-Con would reopen many contentious issues that have been recently decided by voters, such as embryonic stem cell research, the affirmative action ban, gay marriage and assisted suicide. There have been 31 amendments to the constitution since 1963.

The coalition represents a broad array of interests including the business community, the agricultural community, the medical community, local governments and universities.

“The people of Michigan can amend the constitution on a case-by-case basis as they see fit,” said Mike Johnston, MMA vice president of government affairs. “Holding a constitutional convention will cost millions of dollars and only serve to destabilize Michigan’s business climate. While Michigan needs reform, a constitutional convention is the wrong solution. We believe there will be a growing list of organizations that will oppose it as well.”

Michigan’s constitution was last rewritten in 1962. The law requires that the question of a constitutional convention be placed on the ballot every 16 years. Con-Con ballot proposals were soundly defeated in 1978 and 1994.

On 6/14/10, Citizens Protecting Michigan’s Constitution issued a statement urging voters to reject Proposal One, which calls for a Con-Con, on the November ballot.

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