Groups spend millions on Mich. fall ballot drives

LANSING (AP) -- Labor unions are spending millions of dollars to support a fall ballot question that would put union rights in the Michigan Constitution. A labor-backed group called Protect Our Jobs said it spent $1.15 million to gather signatures to protect certain collective bargaining rights, according to records reviewed by The Detroit News. There's still a campaign balance of about $7 million. The United Auto Workers, state AFL-CIO and AFSCME together have given at least $2.75 million, the News reported. Two major teacher unions, along with their local affiliates, have contributed more than $1 million. "The amount of enthusiasm is a reflection of working families. feeling the squeeze and the attack of corporate special interests that want to roll back protections for wages and benefits that are critical," said Dan Lijana, spokesman for Protect Our Jobs. The fall ballot could be crowded with questions about more casinos, limits on tax increases and renewable energy. A company associated with Ambassador Bridge owner Manuel "Matty" Moroun has spent $4.5 million to require voter approval for any new international bridge. His lobbyist, Mickey Blashfield, said it's no different that Gov. Rick Snyder using his own money to run for office. Together, all the ballot campaigns have raised $22 million through June, the News said. A pro-business coalition opposing many ballot questions had about $290,000 on hand. The group wants to protect Michigan's emergency manager law from being overturned and opposes the union-led effort to put collective bargaining in the Constitution. "I think there's a growing awareness in the general public that there's an effort under way to hijack the state Constitution," said Rich Studley, president of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce. Published: Mon, Jul 30, 2012