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Group gathers signatures against referendum-proof measures

DETROIT, MI (AP)--   A group is collecting signatures for a ballot measure that would let Michigan voters repeal laws made referendum-proof with appropriations.  

Ferndale-based Voters for Fair Use of Ballot Referendum kicked off its signature gathering at Detroit-area post offices Thursday.  Backers need nearly 323,000 valid signatures to put the constitutional amendment on the November 2014 ballot.

Michigan currently doesn't permit referendum drives if a law includes an appropriation, or spending measure.  Lawmakers have added appropriations to legislation such as the recent right-to-work and revised emergency manager laws.

Critics say laws that have very little to do with spending money are being purposely shielded from a public vote.

The founder of the ballot committee says he has approached larger organizations for support, but they have declined.

Nicole was born near Detroit but has lived in the U.P. most of her life. She graduated from Marquette Senior High School and attended Michigan State and Northern Michigan Universities, graduating from NMU in 1993 with a degree in English.