Brought to you by Election Magic Michigan November 2008 General Election - 11/4/2008

Proposal Text

State Proposal - 08-1 -- Michigan Medical Marijuana Act

A LEGISLATIVE INITIATIVE TO PERMIT THE USE AND CULTIVATION OF MARIJUANA FOR SPECIFIED MEDICAL CONDITIONS

The proposed law would:

* Permit physician approved use of marijuana by registered patients with debilitating medical conditions including cancer, glaucoma, HIV, AIDS, hepatitis C, MS and other conditions as may be approved by the Department of Community Health.

* Permit registered individuals to grow limited amounts of marijuana for qualifying patients in an enclosed, locked facility.

* Require Department of Community Health to establish an identification card system for patients qualified to use marijuana and individuals qualified to grow marijuana.

* Permit registered and unregistered patients and primary caregivers to assert medical reasons for using marijuana as a defense to any prosecution involving marijuana.

Should this proposal be adopted?

State Proposal - 08-2 -- Constitutional Amendment: Human Embryo and Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research

PROPOSAL TO AMEND THE STATE CONSTITUTION TO ADDRESS HUMAN EMBRYO AND HUMAN EMBRYONIC STEM CELL RESEARCH IN MICHIGAN

The proposed constitutional amendment would:

* Expand use of human embryos for any research permitted under federal law subject to the following limits: the embryos --
-- are created for fertility treatment purposes;
-- are not suitable for implantation or are in excess of clinical needs;
-- would be discarded unless used for research;
-- were donated by the person seeking fertility treatment.

* Provide that stem cells cannot be taken from human embryos more than 14 days after cell division begins.

* Prohibit any person from selling or purchasing human embryos for stem cell research.

* Prohibit state and local laws that prevent, restrict or discourage stem cell research, future therapies and cures.

Should this proposal be adopted?

Byron Township Historical Society Museum Building -- 0.125 Mill to Advance Historical Interests of the Township

Shall an increase of 0.125 mill in the Township of Byron property tax rate limitation be approved and levied in the years 2008-2012, both inclusive, subject to reduction as provided by law, on taxable property in the Township? The purpose of this millage levy is to provide funds for the fostering of activities or projects which the Byron Township Board determines would advance the historical interests of the Township, including, among others, operations and improvements of the former historic Byron Township Hall, now owned and operated by the Byron Area Historical Society as a museum pertaining to the history of Byron Township. It is estimated that a levy of 0.125 mill would provide revenue of $111,003 in the first calendar year. The revenue from this millage levy will be disbursed to the Township of Byron.

Cascade Township Natural Areas and Parkland -- $0.23 mill to Purchase Natural Areas and Parkland

Shall the limitation on general ad valorem property taxes within Cascade Charter Township be increased by up to 0.23 of one mill annually (which is equal to $.23 for each $1,000 of taxable value of all real and personal property subject to taxation) for a period of 20 years from 2008 through 2027, inclusive? The purpose of authorizing the Township to levy such millage is for the purchase, acquisition, improvement, financing and operation of both large and small open space lands, minimally improved public parklands, environmentally sensitive properties, and/or nature preserves for use by all citizens. The amount raised by such levy in the first year is estimated at $342,983 (an estimated $17,700 of such amount would be captured within the district of, and disbursed to, the Cascade Charter Tonwship Downtown Development Authority).

Grand Rapids Township Millage Renewal -- 0.9628 Mill for Public Safety Purposes

Shall the previously-approved increase in the Charter Township of Grand Rapids tax rate limitation, currently 0.9628 mill, be renewed and levied in the years 2010-2016, both inclusive, subject to reduction as provided by law, on taxable property in the Township? The purpose of this renewed millage levy is to continue to provide funds for public safety purposes within the Township. It is estimated that a levy of 0.9628 mill would provide revenue of $854,519.32 in the first calendar year. The revenue from this renewed millage levy will be disbursed to the Charter Township of Grand Rapids.