In a letter to Michigan Governor Rick Snyder, Senators Debbie Stabenow and Carl Levin are urging the governor to reconsider the Emergency Manager law, citing constitutional concerns and its divisive nature.
December 14, 2011Govemor Rick Snyder
P.O. Box 3001i
Lansing, Michigan 48909Dear Governor Snyder,
We are writing to express our concern regarding the state’s Emergency Financial Manager law. We are deeply concerned about how this law is igniting tensions in our local communities and dividing our state.Michigan’s strength is its diversity. Throughout our state’s history we have thrived when we work together to solve problems, This law runs counter to this cooperative spirit and is sending the wrong message to the rest of the country about what our state stands for.
The impact of Michigan’s economic crisis has spared no one. Our families have suffered, our businesses have fought to survive some of the toughest economic times and our urban communities are struggling to deal with historical shifts in population, and the loss of local, state and federal funding. As we work to transform our economy, we cannot leave our urban communities behind.
We fully appreciate the seriousness of the fiscal problems facing the City of Detroit and other local governments, and know how challenging it is to find solutions to these problems. However, given what is at stake, we urge you to address the parts of this law that raise serious constitutional questions, and to look for ways that the state can support our cities, rather than intervening in such a troubling manner. We also hope that you oppose any effort by the State Legislature to pass new legislation that would nullify the efforts of an ongoing ballot initiative.
We continue to be ready to work in partnership with you to address the problems facing our state,
Sincerely,
Debbie Stabenow
United States SenatorCarl Levin
United States Senator
I’m pleased that they are being outspoken about this and am particularly happy that they are drawing attention to the end run Republicans are planning in terms of passing a replacement bill if the current bill is put on hold and/or repealed. I have never heard of another situation where citizens of a state voted down a bill only to have the legislature immediately pass it again in opposition to the will of the people. If they do this, it will be a profound demonstration of the Republicans’ lack of accountability to their constituents and will be an electoral kiss of death for them — political suicide. Even conservative voters will be unable to reconcile this type of callous disregard for the will of the people. Telling voters, in essence, to “shut up and go lay down by your bowl, WE make the laws and WE know what’s best” is counter democracy and something to be abhorred by Democrats and Republicans alike. It will not stand.
Thank you Senators Levin and Stabenow. It’s good to know you’re in this fight with us.
