There is a new tax scam that will be on the ballot this November that will allow special interest groups and lobbyists to rule our legislature and control Michigan’s tax policies.

Referred to as the Super Majority Amendment Proposal, it will force middle-class taxpayers to shoulder more of the tax burden. This amendment is just another example of the wealthy forcing the poor and middle class to make additional sacrifices while they reap the benefits of tax breaks by using our constitution against us.

The petition drive to get this new amendment on the ballot was funded almost entirely by Michigan billionaire Matty Moroun, who put up $2 million of his own money to buy the necessary signatures. This amendment if approved by the voters will require a two-thirds majority in both houses of state government for a tax increase to pass.

For example, if the legislature attempts to pass a law to raise taxes to fix our roads, and even if all of the members of the state house and 15 of 28 senators vote in favor, just 13 senators can block the passage of the bill by voting no. This proposal is handing power over to a super minority that can be easily controlled and removes the power of voters to determine Michigan’s tax policies.

The most damaging aspect of this proposal is that local communities will suffer because the GOP will always vote against tax hikes and the state will not be able to help fund essential services. Communities will have no choice but to raise property taxes to pay for schools, police, roads and fire departments.

Voting in favor of this amendment will give lobbyists and their corporate bosses the ability to control Michigan’s general fund. How hard will it be for them to control 13 senators? A small group of wealthy extremists have figured out a new way not to have to pay more taxes and place the burden on the middle class.

Vote no on this proposal and leave the power of taxation in the hands of the people.