"Michigan is Yours" Amendment (2012)
Not on Ballot |
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This measure was not put on an election ballot |
A Michigan Casino Gaming Amendment did not make the November 6, 2012 statewide ballot in Michigan as an initiated constitutional amendment. The measure authorizes casino gaming at seven new locations in Michigan.[1][2][3]
The measure is sponsored by Michigan Is Yours.
According to the proposal, the casinos would be subject to a 19% wagering tax on their adjusted gross receipts. The funds would be dedicated as follows:[4]
- 20% would go to fund the Pure Michigan advertising campaign
- 38% would fund the Michigan Promise Scholarship program
- 27% would go to local units of government where casinos are located
- remaining funds would go to the School Aid Fund
Background
A similar measure was filed for 2010 however, supporters failed to submit the minimum required number of signatures to qualify the measure for the statewide ballot. The initiative was also sponsored by Michigan Is Yours and proposed expanding the number of casinos in the state. Specifically it called for authorizing non-tribal casinos in Detroit, Flint, Lansing, Benton Harbor, Muskegon and Port Huron.
Support
Supporters argue that the proposal would create jobs and spur economic growth. Michigan Is Yours organizer Tony Gray said, "I think every city needs to look at something that creates opportunities for tourism and bringing people into the city."[5]
According to reports, financial supporters include Morris Day of the 1980s R&B group the Time and Detroit Pistons announcer John Mason.[6]
Opposition
Opponents argue that the casinos may lead to increased social problems and will redirect funds from the communities' resources.[5] Protect MI Vote, a group opposing the proposed measure, argues that the measure would take away voter's rights to vote on casinos in their communities and would saturate the state's gambling markets.[6]
Tactics and strategies
Protect MI Vote is leading the campaign against the measure has put up the billboards asking people not to sign the petitions that would place it on the ballot. The group also plans to launch radio ads and a social media campaign.[7]
Path to the ballot
- See also: Michigan signature requirements
The initiative petition was approved for circulation on December 17, 2010. In order to place the measure on the November 2012 ballot supporters were required to collect a minimum of 322,609 valid signatures by July 9, 2012.
See also
Similar measures
Michigan Casino Expansion Amendment (2010)
Articles
External links
Additional reading
- Record-Eagle, "Group wants Lansing casino," June 12, 2011 (dead link)
- The Detroit News, "Group offers few details on new casino plan," April 1, 2011
Editorials
Footnotes
- ↑ Michigan Secretary of State, "Statewide Ballot Proposal Status November 6, 2012 General Election," January 3, 2011
- ↑ Associated Press, "Early MI ballot efforts target term limits, unions," December 17, 2010
- ↑ Detroit News Lansing Bureau, "Push begins for Nov. ballot petitions," April 9, 2012 (dead link)
- ↑ The Grand Rapids Press, "Group pitches privately-run casinos for Grand Rapids, six other Michigan cities," February 5, 2011
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 The Grand Rapids Press, "Group wants seven new casinos on Michigan ballot in 2012," April 1, 2011
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Detroit Free Press, "Ballot drive calls for 7 more casinos," March 31, 2011
- ↑ Detroit Free Press, "Groups wage battle over bid to get casino measure on November ballot," June 7, 2012
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