A chance to reclaim your state government

Originally published on https://michiganadvance.com/2026/02/26/a-chance-to-reclaim-your-state-government/, republished here with permission.

If you seek a dysfunctional state government-look about you. Change is the most talked about and least acted on concept in Michigan governance going back decades.

If we want to reform state government, the only way to do it is by Constitutional Convention.

Michigan’s government is broken and needs to be fixed. But don’t look to Lansing for solutions. We continue to have a spend-and-pretend mentality at the state Capitol with both parties that ignore the long-term problems plaguing our state.

Recent analyses by Michigan Future Inc. indicate a significant gap between how Michigan residents perceive their state’s standing and its actual, often lower, national rankings.

While residents often view the state as “middle-of-the-pack,” studies suggest it is falling behind in crucial economic and educational metrics. “Michigan Future” and the Detroit Regional Chamber argue that Michigan’s economy, education, and population standings are in a “free fall”.

The data is demanding change!

Fortunately, the power to repair our system of government lies in the hands of the citizens.

In this year’s November 3 general election, Michigan voters will be asked to vote on Proposal 2026-01 – whether to convene a constitutional convention to review and revise the 1963 Michigan Constitution.

A “yes” vote would result in a constitutional convention convening in Lansing on October 5, 2027. If a request for a convention is approved this November, a special primary and then general election for delegates would have to be held, with one delegate elected on a partisan ballot in each of the 110 state House and 38 state Senate districts.

If the question is rejected, it will automatically appear on the ballot again in 2042.

“We, the People,” can begin the process to fix our broken government by voting “yes” to hold a constitutional convention. We can take back our government by voting “YES” to review and update the powers by which we are governed.

A lot has changed in the Great Lakes State since 1963, the last time Michigan altered its Constitution. A growing chorus of people from every corner of our state and every political persuasion are fed up with a bickering, self-serving system of government that seems more beholden to special interests instead of the people’s interest.

We have watched as governors and legislatures of both political parties have ignored the structural budget crisis and data and research-driven education reform – kicking the problems into the future for our children and grandchildren to solve. These issues could be addressed with reforms in a constitutional rewrite and a big dash of leadership.

Education is considered critical to the success of Michigan, particularly in this global, hyper-competitive knowledge-driven global economy where ideas and jobs can and do move around the globe effortlessly. But can you tell me what partisan politician you voted for last November to serve on the board of Wayne State University, the University of Michigan or Michigan State University, or serve on the Michigan State Board of Education?

Michigan’s constitution allows the voters to select these representatives after they are hand-picked by party bosses based on party fidelity, and even then, few voters know who they are and what background they bring to the role.

Typically, the party that dominates a particular election year sweeps its education candidates into office. All of the 12 other public university posts are appointed by the governor. Do we need to elect these positions?

Under our state’s constitution we elect judges to the Michigan Supreme Court on a nonpartisan ballot when they get on the ballot, but only after being nominated by their respective political parties. How logical is that? An appointment system done by an independent commission making three recommendations from which the Governor must choose one, ends the politicking.

Do we need a full-time Legislature? Do we require two houses of the Legislature, both a House and a Senate, or would a unicameral system better meet our needs?

The current state constitution prohibits a graduated income tax. Today, income earners pay a flat 4.25% tax on income. We should at least consider a graduated income tax comparable to the federal income system that would be fairer.

Michigan’s sales tax is primarily focused on tangible personal property—items that can be touched or moved—such as goods, products, or merchandise. Services, on the other hand, are generally tax exempt unless specifically listed by state law. Not taxing services in this service-based economy makes no sense.

Typically, opponents argue that opening Michigan’s constitution would invite unwelcome, extremist proposals, especially in the age of Trump/MAGA which would help cement into the document every pet peeve of the moment, from legalizing assisted suicide to allowing public funding for private and parochial schools to permitting capital punishment. But a “yes” will trigger a convention of 148 delegates, no sitting legislators allowed, which three times before proved too big to be hijacked. Besides, the voters must approve the new document once drafted.

There are special interests vested in the status quo that will try to scare the voters into preserving the current system. But as conditions continue to deteriorate in Michigan and long-term problems keep getting kicked down the road, residents must keep asking: Is the current system of government in Michigan meeting our needs?

Clearly, there are risks when you open government for review by the people. There is a saying attributed to Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping, “If you open the window both fresh air and flies can be blown in.”

However, constitutional convention members have tended historically to abide by the notion that a constitution is best when it lays out the framework of self-governance without locking specific policies into a document. Those are best left for legislative debate.

For example, Wayne and Macomb counties have passed local charters or constitutions on time and under budget helping to shepherd in needed reforms in counties known for their rough-and-tumble politics.

Like a 1963 car, the Michigan Constitution needs bodywork. It is best put in the hands of the “We the People…”

The non-partisan Citizens Research Council of Michigan is providing a valuable public service by offering  a series of 15 educational papers outlining information to Michigan voters ahead of the November vote. The council’s objective is to provide factual, unbiased, independent information on significant issues concerning state and local government organization and finance. Information that you can trust – a valuable commodity today.

Voters will have a chance this November to take the reins away from career politicians and help chart a course into the future.

I hope they take advantage of that opportunity.