A new report from the Center for Michigan shows that voters are willing to pay for any number of local services that add to the quality of life in their communities.
According to the analysis, voters approved 86 percent of the 623 ballot proposals across the state. They also ok’d 96 percent of the requests to either renew taxes or restore rates that had been reduced by the Headlee amendment in the Michigan Constitution.
The results of the study make it clear that when presented with a proposal to fund a specific service, voters will say yes. As an example, 94% of the request for funding fire services passed; 89% for police, 87% for libraries and 85% for roads.
Charles Ballard, a Michigan State University economist who conducts Michigan State University’s State of the State surveys to measure the mood of Michigan residents noted that the results show once again, the confidence voters have in local government.
Arnold Weinfeld is Director of Strategic Initiatives and Federal Affairs for the Michigan Municipal League. He can be reached at 517-908-0304 or by e-mail.
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