August 6th Primary - Ballot Proposals

AP ^ | 6-7-02

[Dan from Michigan]

Here are the two ballot proposals certified Friday by the Board of State Canvassers for the Aug. 6 primary election:

Proposal 02-1:

A PROPOSAL TO AMEND THE PROVISION OF THE STATE CONSTITUTION GOVERNING THE OPERATION OF THE STATE OFFICERS COMPENSATION COMMISSION (SOCC).

The proposed constitutional amendment would:

--Add Attorney General and Secretary of State to the list of state officials whose salaries and expense allowances are determined by the SOCC. The list currently includes the State Legislature, Governor, Lieutenant Governor and Supreme Court Justices.

--Require the legislature to approve by majority vote any salary and expense allowance determinations proposed by the SOCC before determinations go into effect. Currently, the SOCC's determinations go into effect unless rejected by a 2/3 vote of legislature.

--Allow legislature to reduce compensation increases proposed by the SOCC.

--Provide that the SOCC's salary and expense determinations would take effect after the next general election.

Should this proposal be adopted?

Proposal 02-2:

A PROPOSAL TO ALLOW CERTAIN PERMANENT AND ENDOWMENT FUNDS TO BE INVESTED AS PROVIDED BY LAW AND INCREASE ALLOWED SPENDING FOR STATE PARKS, LOCAL PARKS AND OUTDOOR RECREATION:

The proposed constitutional amendment would:

--Allow certain permanent and endowment funds, including Natural Resources Trust Fund, State Parks Endowment Fund and Veterans Trust Fund, to be invested as provided by law, eliminating prior restriction on investing in stocks.

--Increase Natural Resources Trust Fund cap on assets from $400 million to $500 million.

--Allow the Natural Resources Trust Fund to continue to annually expend up to 33-1/3 percent of Fund royalties or other revenues, up to a new asset cap of $500 million.

--Increase allowed State Parks Endowment Fund spending to include interest and earnings and up to 50 percent of funds received from Natural Resources Trust Fund.

Should this proposal be adopted?

Source: Elections Division, Michigan Secretary of State

[Dan from Michigan]

I have to look closer at these. Sounds good on paper, but where's the small print. I like the part in bold, that's for sure.

I'm weary on the second one.

[Dan from Michigan]

Any comments on this. Right now, I'm leaning yes on the first, and no on the second, but I still need to find out more info.

[The Energizer]

From what I understand, Proposal 2 does not involve one dime of taxpayer money. It allows the Natural Resources Trust Fund Board to spend money on its approved expenditures in a different way and allows it to invest its capital (non-taxpayer generated) to earn more interest, etc.

I'll let you know if I hear otherwise.

[Registered]

Thanks for your input! BTTT.