LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – A proposal that would prohibit certain utilities and government contractors from contributing to Michigan political candidates and committees will appear on the ballot in November.
House acts, Senate takes a pass
While the Republican-controlled Michigan House voted 77-26 Tuesday to approve the Michiganders for Money Out of Politics initiative, the Democratic-led Senate will not take it up. Under Michigan’s initiative process, the Legislature has 40 session days to enact a citizen-initiated proposal once it is presented to lawmakers. If the Legislature does not enact it, the measure goes before voters. Since the Senate will not take up the initiative, voters will have a chance to weigh in Nov. 3.
Critics argue the proposal selectively targets certain political donors while allowing others to continue contributing.
State Rep. Curt VanderWall (R-Ludington) told Michigan News Source that “if you want money out of politics, you have to have it completely out.” He added, “We have the opportunity to do good things with this bill that would have blocked that dark money. But now it will filter in on the back side,” he said.
State Rep. Ann Bollin (R-Brighton Township), who supported the measure, said the proposal would make state government more accountable.
“People across Michigan came together to put this proposal before the Legislature because they want a government that is transparent, accountable, and independent,” said Bollin. “No one should have a louder voice simply because they have deeper pockets.”
“We will not be subverting the will of the voters”
Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids), who is Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jocelyn Benson’s running mate, said not taking up the initiative reflects the will of its organizers.
“Senate Democrats already agree that there is too much dark money in politics,” Brinks said, “and we are eager to hear what voters have to say on this issue. In that spirit, we will not be subverting the will of the voters by taking it up legislatively.”
Supporters say the initiative is common sense.
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“If you want the ability to donate to a legislator, then don’t have a contract of $250,000 or more,” said Ken Whittaker, executive director of Michigan United, one of the progressive advocacy groups backing the initiative. “Why are you allowed to bankroll the same people who are deciding whether or not you get a contract?”
The ballot…and beyond.
If voters pass the measure in November, that’s not the end of the story, according to Rep. VanderWall. “I would urge a ‘no’ vote,” he said, referring to the initiative language that will appear on the November ballot. “It could be tied up in court for long time,” he said.
