Group wants to abolish Michigan Senate (possible ballot proposal)

[UrbScotty]

http://www.fire-the-senate.com/

I don't know much about this, so I can't say if it is a good thing or not. What do you think?

[jenlewismichigan]

1. hmmm.

I'm not sure what I think either. I can see their point.

[BayCityProgressive]

2. I kind of like the idea

Why have beuracracy that is not needed?

[UrbScotty]

3. Yeah

I mean, it used tyo be that Senate districts were apportioned based on land. Now, like House districts, they are based on population.

[corkerjoe]

4. All 4 it

thay r all over paid and underworked. Time to cull

[newyawker99]

6. Hi jenlewismichigan!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[Strawman]

5. trivial right now

in theory, I'm for it. It certainly might help the governor get her programs through the legislature, but if we push something like this right now we'll look like a complete joke to the voters.

[noonwitch]

7. Wouldn't they need a constitutional convention to do that?

Otherwise, the state supreme court is obligated to overturn the ballot initiative, because the structure of the legislature is constitutionally-defined. It's like the numerous attempts to get the death penalty ban overturned via ballot initiative. That ban was written into the constitution, also, so a constitutional convention would be required to reinstate the death penalty. Every so many years, there is a box on the ballot asking if there should be a constitutional convention. Few people check yes.

[UrbScotty]

8. There are three ways an amendment can be proposed.

A constitutional amendment can be proposed via a constitutional convention. Every 16 years, voters are asked if they want a constitutional convention. The question will go before voters again in 2010.

Another way it can happen is by initiative. A certain number of people (I believe it's around 10% of tthe people who voted in the last election for governor) must sign a petition to get an amendment on the ballot. That almost happened with the minimum wage proposal, until the Republicans flip-flopped when they saw the polls. That's what this group is trying to do now.

Or, 2/3 of each house of the Legislature can vote to bring an amendment to the voters.

In any event, it must be passed by the voters.

[UrbScotty]

9. UPDATE: Not this year

http://battlecreekenquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060710/NEWS01/60710002/1002

[bfealk]

10. Unicameral legislature

This proposal did not make it on the ballot.

[UrbScotty]

11. See post #9 (nt)