MSU Board of Trustees resolution "Healthy Michigan" ballot proposal

Contact: Terry Denbow, Vice President for University Relations, (517) 355-2262, denbow@msu.edu

Sep 13, 2002

Whereas the group known as "Citizens for a Healthy Michigan" has placed on the 2002 State ballot, a proposal to amend the State of Michigan Constitution; and

Whereas the "Healthy Michigan" ballot proposal would provide a permanent carve-out of over $300 million annually of State revenues for the supporters of the ballot proposal; and

Whereas the "Healthy Michigan" ballot proposal would spend over $300 million of State revenues annually without real public oversight; and

Whereas the "Healthy Michigan" ballot proposal would create a permanent, non-public corporation in the Constitution of the State of Michigan that would allocate $50 million annually for at least 20 years with no opportunity for true public scrutiny; and

Whereas the "Healthy Michigan" ballot proposal would eliminate permanently the Legislature's ability to shift these State funds among ever-changing critical State needs, including education and health, over time; and

Whereas the Board of Trustees of Michigan State University believes the "Healthy Michigan" ballot proposal is unhealthy public policy for the State of Michigan and accordingly would not be healthy for higher education, health or any other major responsibility of State government;

Therefore, be it resolved that the Board of Trustees of Michigan State University urges the people of Michigan to defeat the "Healthy Michigan" ballot proposal.