ELECTIONS PANEL OKs BALLOT PROPOSALS

LANSING -- Michigan voters will decide whether to loosen the state's
restrictions on embryonic stem cell research and allow medical use of
marijuana during November's election.

A state election panel gave final approval to the proposals Thursday,
clearing their path to appear on the ballot. Supporters of both
measures collected more than enough valid voter signatures to qualify.

But obeying a Michigan Court of Appeals order, the Board of State
Canvassers did not act on a third proposal that would cut the pay of
elected officials, throw judges off the bench and downsize the state
Legislature.

Supporters of the Reform Michigan Government Now! proposal are asking
the Michigan Supreme Court to place the issue on the ballot. If that
fails, supporters say they could file a suit in federal court arguing
their proposal couldn't get a fair hearing in state courts.