Every 16 years Michigan voters decide whether to convene a Constitutional Convention – or “Con-Con”- to rewrite the state constitution.
Patinkin Research Strategies polled 600 likely voters across Michigan, finding 61% oppose the measure, 22% support and 17% are undecided.
Opponents argue a convention puts the entire constitution at risk.
Doug Pratt with the Michigan Education Association worries it could open the door to school vouchers.
“That would redirect state taxpayer dollars from neighborhood public schools to private schools, that would reduce resources for students in rural, urban and suburban communities across Michigan.
Citizens for Traditional Values spokesperson Eileen McNeil says special interest groups could target basic liberties.
“The potential to bring questions about religious liberty and other individual freedoms and government accountability and parents’ rights and their roles and responsibilities in their decision-making process for their children.”
Michigan Chamber of Commerce’s Wendy Block warns a drawn-out process creates economic instability and stifles growth.
“Our state could lose billions of dollars of economic activity during a con-con process simply because it will be long and drawn-out and it will create chaos and confusion.”
Critics add citizen ballot initiatives and legislative amendments already allow voters to safely update the constitution.
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