Appeals court hears Michigan emergency manager arguments

Judges on the state Appeals court say they will rule as soon as possible after hearing arguments on petitions intended to put Michigan's emergency manager law on November's ballot.

Dozens of people opposing the law picketed outside the court Thursday morning as attorneys for Stand Up for Democracy and Citizens for Fiscal Responsibility presented their arguments inside.

Stand Up for Democracy wants the law repealed and collected signatures to have voters decide its future. Citizens for Fiscal Responsibility challenged the font sized used on the petitions.

The state Board of Canvassers voted 2-2 last month. The tie vote kept the measure off the ballot.

Under the law, state-appointed emergency managers have the power to bypass collective bargaining and restructure union contracts as an avenue to civic cost-cutting.