CRC Introduces series of papers on Con-Con question

The Citizens Research Council of Michigan has released the first of a series of papers analyzing issues that voters may use to decide their vote on the November 2, 2010, regarding Proposal 1, to convene a constitutional convention. Proposal 1 will ask Michigan voters whether a constitutional convention should be convened for the purpose of a general revision of the state Constitution.

This month marks the beginning of the constitutionally prescribed budget process in Michigan that is initiated with the Governor's introduction of a balanced budget and the legislature's enactment of spending authorizations. The development of the state's annual budget has been the focus of public policy debate over the last decade.

"Among the many issues a constitutional convention may choose to address," said CRC President Jeffrey Guilfoyle, "Are the roles of the executive and legislative branches in the budget process, the balanced budget requirements, and the operations of state government when appropriations are not enacted before the beginning of each fiscal year."

The 1963 Michigan Constitution provides in Article XII, Section 3, that in 1978 and every 16 years thereafter the question of a general revision of the constitution shall be submitted to the electors of the state.

CRC plans to release analysis of the con-con question in a series of papers to be released on roughly a bi-weekly schedule at www.crcmich.org/elections. Sign up for CRC’s e-mail updates to have notice of their release delivered directly to your inbox or subscribe to the Elections page for RSS feeds.

Read the report, General Revision of the Michigan Constitution…