How Michigan’s ‘Financial Emergency’ Law Is an Abuse of Power

How Michigan’s ‘Financial Emergency’ Law Is an Abuse of Power

How Michigan’s ‘Financial Emergency’ Law Is an Abuse of Power

A new law in Michigan gives the governor the ability to unilaterally strip local authorities of their power. Could the law spread to other states?

Facebook
Twitter
Email
Flipboard
Pocket

Michigan’s newly-elected Governor Rick Snyder recently passed a law that gives him the ability to strip local authorities of their power, terminate union contracts, seize and sell assets and eliminate services if he deems a town, city or school district to be in a "financial emergency." This law has already taken effect in places like the city of Benton Harbor and for the Detroit public school district. The Nation’s John Nichols joins The Ed Show to explain how this violation of the citizen’s right to vote for their own representation came about and how Wisconsin’s union-busting governor plans to implement a similar system.

—Sara Jerving

We need your support

What’s at stake this November is the future of our democracy. Yet Nation readers know the fight for justice, equity, and peace doesn’t stop in November. Change doesn’t happen overnight. We need sustained, fearless journalism to advocate for bold ideas, expose corruption, defend our democracy, secure our bodily rights, promote peace, and protect the environment.

This month, we’re calling on you to give a monthly donation to support The Nation’s independent journalism. If you’ve read this far, I know you value our journalism that speaks truth to power in a way corporate-owned media never can. The most effective way to support The Nation is by becoming a monthly donor; this will provide us with a reliable funding base.

In the coming months, our writers will be working to bring you what you need to know—from John Nichols on the election, Elie Mystal on justice and injustice, Chris Lehmann’s reporting from inside the beltway, Joan Walsh with insightful political analysis, Jeet Heer’s crackling wit, and Amy Littlefield on the front lines of the fight for abortion access. For as little as $10 a month, you can empower our dedicated writers, editors, and fact checkers to report deeply on the most critical issues of our day.

Set up a monthly recurring donation today and join the committed community of readers who make our journalism possible for the long haul. For nearly 160 years, The Nation has stood for truth and justice—can you help us thrive for 160 more?

Onwards,
Katrina vanden Heuvel
Editorial Director and Publisher, The Nation

Ad Policy
x