More Ballot Proposals

There are more proposals that will seek signatures to go on the November ballot in Michigan.

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The fair tax plan. This proposal would replace the state income tax, business taxes and other levies with a new 9.75 percent sales tax on most goods and services.

"We have a huge constituency," said Rep. Fulton Sheen, R-Plainwell, who said his movement includes over 1,000 volunteers. "This replaces an onerous system of taxation with a far better one."

• Stem cell research. Under the proposal, excess embryos created for fertility treatment that would otherwise be discarded could be used for stem cell research, which is now banned under state law.

"This is a big day for the campaign for cures in Michigan," said campaign director Mark Burton. "We are dedicated to giving hope to those in Michigan suffering from debilitating diseases curable by advancements in stem cell research."

Michigan Right to Life and the Michigan Catholic Conference will lead the opposition.

• Part-time Legislature. Backers want to limit the annual regular legislative session to 100 days a year and no more than 15 special session days. It also would reduce lawmakers' pay to 80 percent of the median household income in Michigan and dock legislators for unexcused absences. Term limits for members of the House and Senate would be eliminated.

• Tax limitation. This plan would require a statewide vote on any law that creates a new tax, continues a tax, reduces a tax deduction or credit or increases the rate or base of a tax.

• School vouchers. The proposal would set up education accounts, provided by the state, which could be used by parents to send their children to a public or private school.

• Senate restructuring. The amendment calls for senators to be elected at large in a statewide election and increased from the current 38 to 50 members.

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Tax limitation, part-time legislature, and probably fair tax deserve support. Embryo destruction and senate restructuring deserve oppostion. More information is necessary on the voucher proposal.

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