Worker rights proposal backers sue for ballot spot

LANSING (AP) -- Backers of a plan to enshrine collective bargaining rights in the Michigan Constitution have asked courts to intervene after an election board refused to place it on the November ballot. The Board of State Canvassers deadlocked 2-2 Wednesday on the proposal. Sponsors of the Protect Our Jobs plan then asked the state Court of Appeals or state Supreme Court to intervene. There was no immediate court action. The canvassers did certify petitions for ballot initiatives involving renewable energy and in-home care providers. The energy measure mandates 25 percent of Michigan energy come from renewable sources by 2025. The other measure would make training, regulation and union rights available to home health care workers. A proposal calling for expanded casino gambling was pulled Tuesday after the appeals court ruled it unconstitutional. Published: Fri, Aug 17, 2012