LANSING, Mich., July 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Michigan Chamber of Commerce issued the following statement in response to today's Michigan Supreme Court hearing on the legality of the redistricting ballot proposal.

"Today marked an important day in Michigan's judicial process," said Rich Studley, President and CEO of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce.

"Until three weeks ago when an out-of-state activist group intervened, Michiganders on both sides of the ballot proposal had been engaged in a fair and respectful debate regarding the proposed re-districting ballot proposal. Today, that civil discourse resumed in Michigan's highest court, where both sides had the opportunity to make their case."

"In our view, the redistricting proposal fails to meet the clear requirements set forth in state law and the Michigan Constitution to qualify for the ballot," added Jim Holcomb, Executive Vice President & General Counsel for the Michigan Chamber. "These concerns are shared by many individuals and groups and form the basis of a legal challenge filed by Citizens Protecting Michigan's Constitution, a non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring plans to alter the State Constitution are legally valid."

"This important legal question is now properly before the Michigan Supreme Court and we look forward to their decision," Studley concluded.

The Michigan Chamber of Commerce is a statewide business organization representing over 6,000 employers, trade associations and local chambers of commerce who employ over one million Michigan residents. The Michigan Chamber represents businesses of every size and type in all 83 counties of the state. The Michigan Chamber was established in 1959 to be an advocate for Michigan's job providers in the legislative, political and legal process.

SOURCE Michigan Chamber of Commerce