Gov, Attorney General Fight Referendum to Preserve Collective Bargaining

Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder and Attorney General Bill Schuette last week filed court papers seeking to dismiss a ballot proposal that would protect collective bargaining rights by making them part of the state constitution.

The governor’s move comes a week after the Board of State Canvassers deadlocked on certifying the petitions, gathered by a group called Protect Our Jobs, that would put the question on the November ballot.

Snyder and Schuette’s papers argue that the referendum would have too-broad of an impact by changing several state laws, a sweeping overhaul that cannot be summarized in the 100-word referendum language.

It’s one of several controversial referendums that could appear on a crowded ballot.

The Michigan Court of Appeals will hear oral arguments on the proposal Wednesday.

A decision needs to be made by Aug. 27 to get the question on the November ballot.

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