Several potential ballot proposals for Michigan’s November 2026 election have stopped collecting signatures, according to a March 31 update. Among those that have suspended efforts are two proposals opposed by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB): the Graduated Income Tax Constitutional Amendment and the Minimum Wage Referendum.
The status of these initiatives is significant as it shapes which issues may appear before voters in the next statewide election. The outcome could affect tax policy, wage laws, and regulations on political advocacy in Michigan.
The Graduated Income Tax Constitutional Amendment, also known as Invest in MI Kids, aimed to increase Michigan’s income tax to 9.5% for individuals earning over $500,000 or joint filers with incomes above $1 million. This change would have affected many small and midsized businesses whose income is taxed at individual rates. Proponents said new revenue would be allocated to schools but did not provide detailed plans on how student achievement would be improved. If approved by voters, this amendment would have given Michigan one of the highest state income tax rates nationally and the highest in the Midwest.
Another proposal that has ceased signature collection is a referendum on Public Act 1 of 2025 concerning minimum wage changes ordered by the state Supreme Court in 2024. NFIB supported this bipartisan legislation because it preserved tipped wages for restaurant servers and slowed future increases in minimum wage.
Other initiatives continue moving forward. The Ban on Free Speech/Issue Advocacy Initiated Legislation seeks to prohibit utilities and major contractors from making political contributions or engaging in issue advocacy related to elections. According to NFIB’s summary, such restrictions could limit efforts used by organizations—including recent campaigns urging Congress to make permanent a business tax deduction.
One proposal has completed its signature collection: The Americans for Citizen Voting Constitutional Amendment requires proof of citizenship when registering to vote and mandates photo identification at polling places—removing an option currently available for voters without ID.
