Federal Court Upheld Emergency Manager Law

Liz Gullett

Sep 16, 2016

This week, the United States Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the state’s emergency manager law does not violate the United States Constitution. The Plaintiffs argued the law violated both the 1^st and 13 Amendments, in addition to the Voting Rights Act, which the Court did not agree with.

Michigan’s “Local Financial Stability and Choice Act” was signed into law by Governor Rick Snyder in 2012. Since being signed into law, it has remained controversial, especially its use in the cities of Flint and Detroit. It’s been particularly controversial since the legislature’s first attempt at the law was overturned by voters. However, the current law includes an appropriation, thus making it referendum proof. Opponents of the law could only have the Act overturned through a legal challenge.

It is unknown at this time if the Plaintiffs will appeal the Circuit Court’s decision to the United States Supreme Court.

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