Michigan Proposal 5, Two-Thirds Legislative or Voter Approval Requirement for New or Increased Taxes Initiative (2012)
| Michigan Proposal 5 | |
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| Election date |
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| Topic Ballot measure process and Revenue and spending limits |
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| Status |
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| Type Initiated constitutional amendment |
Origin |
Michigan Proposal 5 was on the ballot as an initiated constitutional amendment in Michigan on November 6, 2012. It was defeated.
A “yes” vote supported this constitutional amendment to require a two-thirds vote of the Michigan State House and Senate or voter approval at a statewide November election to enact new taxes, increase tax rates, or expand the tax base. |
A “no” vote opposed this constitutional amendment to require a two-thirds vote of the Michigan State House and Senate or voter approval at a statewide November election to enact new taxes, increase tax rates, or expand the tax base. |
Election results
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Michigan Proposal 5 |
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| Result | Votes | Percentage | ||
| Yes | 1,410,944 | 31.24% | ||
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3,105,649 | 68.76% | ||
Text of measure
Ballot title
The ballot title for Proposal 5 was as follows:
| “ | PROPOSAL 12-5 A PROPOSAL TO AMEND THE STATE CONSTITUTION TO LIMIT THE ENACTMENT OF NEW TAXES BY STATE GOVERNMENT This proposal would: Require a 2/3 majority vote of the State House and the State Senate, or a statewide vote of the people at a November election, in order for the State of Michigan to impose new or additional taxes on taxpayers or expand the base of taxation or increasing the rate of taxation. This section shall in no way be construed to limit or modify tax limitations otherwise created in this Constitution. Should this proposal be approved? YES NO | ” |
Support
- Primary support and sponsorship for the measure came from Michigan Alliance for Prosperity.[1]
Arguments
- In a guest column for MLive.com, Lana Theis argued in favor of the measure saying, "This [Proposal 5] gives lawmakers and special interest groups the chance to make their case to the taxpayers who ultimately foot the bill on the necessity of the tax increase over some other type of solution or reform."[2]
Campaign contributions
In Michigan campaign finance information related to ballot measures is organized by ballot question committees. The following data was obtained from the state Campaign Finance Committee:
Committee info:
| Committee | Amount raised | Amount spent |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Alliance for Prosperity | $1,886,000.00 | $1,852,961.84[3] |
| Total | $1,886,000.00 | $1,852,961.84 |
Opposition
Opponents
- Michigan Chamber of Commerce[4]
- Governor Rick Snyder
Arguments
- In a press release published in September 2012, Gov. Snyder said, "What's does this proposal mean for you and me? It means that special interest groups and even a small group of lawmakers could stop our ability to make the necessary policy changes we need in Michigan. It means that it would be more difficult for us to pay for our schools, fix our roads, or make sure that our law enforcement officers have the tools they need to protect us. Also, it will be viewed as negatively by bond ratings agencies which could raise our interest costs and make us look less attractive to job creators."[5]
Path to the ballot
An initiated constitutional amendment is a citizen-initiated ballot measure that amends a state's constitution. Eighteen (18) states allow citizens to initiate constitutional amendments.
In Michigan, the number of signatures required for an initiated constitutional amendment is equal to 10% of the votes cast in the last gubernatorial election. A simple majority vote is required for voter approval.
Following a stalemate vote in the Board of State Canvassers, the measure was taken to the Michigan Supreme Court where it was certified for the ballot.[6]
See also
External links
- Michigan Bureau of Elections, "Initiatives and Referendums Under the Constitution of the State of Michigan of 1963," January 2019
- House Fiscal Agency, "Ballot Proposal 5 of 2012"
Footnotes
- ↑ Michigan Alliance for Prosperity campaign website
- ↑ MLive.com, "Michigan Decides 2012: Vote YES on Proposal 5 to protect Michigan taxpayers (guest column)," October 4, 2012
- ↑ Pre-primary campaign statement, accessed September 7, 2012
- ↑ Detroit Free Press, "Poll: Michigan voters skeptical about collective bargaining, bridge ballot proposals," September 16, 2012
- ↑ Press release from Gov. Rick Snyder, September 2012
- ↑ Detroit Free Press, "Bridge, union rights, tax measure make Nov. ballot but casino effort blocked," September 6, 2012
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