Group expects enough signatures for Mich. ballot

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - Organizers say they expect to have enough signatures to get a proposal on the Michigan ballot to cut the number of state lawmakers and appellate judges.

The proposal also would cut pay for legislators, judges, the governor and other elected officials; set up a different way to draw legislative districts; and cap the number of state departments.

The changes would affect several parts of the state constitution.

A spokeswoman for Reform Michigan Government Now said Tuesday the group expects to turn in more than 380,000 valid voter signatures next Monday, the deadline to qualify for the November election.

Michigan Republicans say the proposal is an attempt by Democrats to control the courts by tossing out Republican judges.