Highlights:

• Should Michigan hold a Constitutional Convention? Examining the issues and articles involved.
• New podcast: What is a Constitutional Convention? What could change if voters approve holding one?
• We turn 110 next week! Please support our work today so we are here for another 110 years.

The Research Council of Michigan released the fourth in a series of 15 papers providing information to Michigan voters ahead of the November vote on whether Michigan should hold a constitutional convention.

Paper #4, titled “Article 1 – Declaration of Rights,” outlines the fundamental individual freedoms that government actions cannot infringe upon. It explains how the Declaration of Rights is integrated into the broader Constitution and discusses topics that may be considered if a convention is convened.

Guy sits down with Eric Lupher for the first of many podcasts exploring the Research Council’s series of papers on Michigan’s upcoming ballot question asking voters whether to hold a constitutional convention.

They start by digging into the first released paper, General Revision of the Michigan Constitution, which describes the nature and purpose of a constitution, the process for convening a convention, examines the history of past votes on the question, and discusses the possibility of a wholesale revision of the constitution.

Guy asks Eric for the most compelling reasons for voters to vote “yes” or vote “no.” Listen in for his answers!

Find all #FactsMatter podcasts on SoundCloud, Apple, Spotify, Amazon or wherever you get your podcasts. LIKE and SUBSCRIBE!

In April, the Research Council will mark 110 years of independent, nonpartisan research. For more than a century, our work has helped residents, journalists, and leaders understand complex public policy issues and engage in informed discussions about Michigan’s future.

Stay tuned as we celebrate this milestone and invite you to help carry this work forward.

Donate: crcmich.org/april-appeal

Eric Lupher discussed property tax reform options, and provided brief assessments of several proposals offered, at the Michigan Township Association’s 2026 Capital Conference.

Michigan pits small, big schools for funding. It’s an unfair fight, leaders say, Bridge Michigan (March 24)

A law meant to clean Michigan’s air now costs the state billions with little oversight, Associated Press (March 20)

WKAR presents Impact: Michigan with Sheri Jones, WKAR Public Media (March 20)

More structural changes needed for fiscally distressed cities, experts say, Gongwer | State Affairs (March 20)

A law meant to clean Michigan’s air now costs the state billions with little oversight, Bridge Detroit (March 19)

Betting on Trouble: When Easy Access Leads to Hard Times, ‘JR Morning (March 19)

As March Madness heats up, experts warn of betting addictions, WXYZ Detroit (March 18)

The Hidden Costs of Online Betting, The Steve Gruber Show (March 12)

DPSCD operating tax proposal set to appear on August ballot, ChalkBeat Detroit (March 12)

Dickinson road millage renewal to be placed on Aug. 4 ballot, Iron Mountain Daily News (March 12)

House Appropriations-Higher Education and Community Colleges, Gongwer|State Affairs (March 11)

School Funding: Why, How & What’s Next, WJR-Skillman Foundation Podcast (March 10)

Have problem gambling behaviors increased due to sports betting apps, WWJ | MI News Network Radio (March 9)

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