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Local government and school leaders are urging the governor to veto a bill that would block them from using public funds or resources to put out information on ballot questions within 60 days of an election.
The Michigan Municipal League says the measure would gag local officials from informing voters about issues that appear on a ballot like a millage, charter changes or land transfers.
League president, Dearborn Mayor John O’Reilly, says the legislation was written too broadly and could cause unintended problems.
He says it could be interpreted that city council meetings where they discuss millage issues violate the law.
Executive Director of the Michigan Sheriffs Association Terry Jungel says the legislation could also hurt public safety because fire departments, 9-1-1 centers and local law enforcement frequently seek funding through millages.
The bill in question was the last measure the legislature passed in 2015 before lawmakers left for the holiday break.
