Referendums: A History
Michigans constitution created the referendum power for voters to repeal laws that they think the legislature should not have passed. But, the State Constitution also includes an exemption. The exemption is for budget bills. This is so that, the states ability to pay its bills and maintain its credit rating and things like that would not be compromised, but that was the only exception, Pluta notes.
Appropriations Expanded
Interesting enough, the bills that lawmakers have attached appropriations to so far this year have all been pretty controversial bills. Its a cunning way to make sure that unpopular laws cannot be repealed by unhappy voters. Understand, though, this is not the first time that lawmakers, in both parties, have used this political maneuver. Whats newsworthy, now, however, is the fact that its being used with such frequency.
