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December 28, 2012

Michigan Enacts Emergency Manager Law Despite Voter Repeal 
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Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder has signed into law a measure allowing
Michigan areas to declare bankruptcy or fall under the control of an
unelected emergency manager enabled to fire public officials and nullify
union contracts. Dubbed by critics Michigan's "local dictators" law,
state Republicans approved it this month after voters repealed a similar
initiative on Election Day. Despite re-imposing a measure that was
rejected by popular vote, Gov. Snyder said: "This legislation
demonstrates that we clearly heard, recognized and respected the will of
the voters." It was among a number of controversial bills recently
advanced by state Republicans in Michigan before their majority declines
with the new legislative session next month.

 

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