“ The Protect Working Families initiative will only help rebuild Michigan’s economy.

Look at our nation’s history. From 1946 to 1973, the U.S. economy was a powerhouse. The middle class grew strong and millions of Americans rose out of poverty. The Greatest Generation recognized that if people have a right to capitalize their ideas and their country’s resources then people also have a right to capitalize their labor.

When the Greatest Generation ran the country, workers bargained for their fair share of the prosperity they created. It was the labor movement that built this nation’s great middle class after World War II. Workers who bargained for better wages and benefits were able to buy their own homes, cars and become an active consumer in our economy. Their spending fueled even more manufacturing and jobs.

Our recent history has seen collective bargaining rights under attack. It’s no coincidence that the middle class is shrinking as collective bargaining rights are being taken away.

When the middle class prospers, our country prospers. Protecting the ability of workers to bargain collectively is protecting the future of Michigan’s middle class. ”

“ Collective bargaining is guaranteed by both state and federal law. This won’t change no matter what happens with Proposal 2. Just about every newspaper and independent watchdog organization in Michigan, from the Detroit News and Free Press to the Independent Citizens Research Council as concluded the same thing about Proposal 2—it has virtually nothing to do with collective bargaining. Instead, it is a "sweeping overreach" by the government employee unions to hijack Michigan’s constitution, overturn $1.6 billion in recent taxpayer savings and invalidate over 170 laws, including many laws that parents count on to keep their kids safe at school. ”

“ Proposal 2 would be economic development suicide for Michigan. It would send a clear signal to job providers and investors that Michigan is closed for business. One recent study concluded that Prop 2 would cost Michigan taxpayers $1.6 billion a year, as well.

Beyond the devastating effect Proposal 2 would have on our economy, educators have also said it would cost local school districts $400 million in potential healthcare savings alone. Should this initiative pass, eliminating these critical cost savings, districts will be forced to eliminate educational programs and cut valuable and effective staff. That is the last thing parents want and the last thing our children need.

That’s why community organizations and taxpayers from across the state are standing up to oppose Proposal 2, including the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, Small Business Association of Michigan, Michigan Manufacturers, Business Leaders for Michigan, the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce in addition to numerous statewide education groups, the Farm Bureau, the Michigan Sheriffs Association and many more. ”

“ Dawson Bell addressed false claims that Proposal 2 will cost 1.6 billion dollars in a recent column for the Detroit Free Press. "As with most estimates generated in a heated political campaign, this number is highly speculative. It is based on analysis by the free market Midland think tank, the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, and assumes that virtually all of the cost-saving measures enacted by the Legislature in the last two years will be nullified." Bell went on to note that "nothing in the proposal requires a school district, or any public employer, to give ground on minimum contributions, or any other cost-saving measure." The $400 million dollar estimate that DeVos throws out in reference to education is likewise pulled out of thin air. That is why the Michigan Parent Teacher Association is one of many community organizations that have endorsed Proposal 2. ”