'Money Out of Politics' proposal to appear on Michigan's ballot

In just 68 days, Michigan voters will decide on a proposal to ban political spending by state-regulated electric and gas utilities and companies with large government contracts. The "Money Out of Politics" ballot initiative, which was approved in July by the Michigan Board of State Canvassers, would also ban direct or indirect contributions from "people or organizations" with substantial connections to those entities. "Michigan's government should work for the people, not powerful corporations," said Michiganders for Money Out of Politics, the group organizing the petition, also known as Mop Up Michigan. DTE and Consumers Energy would be the two largest state-regulated electric and gas utilities affected by the initiative if it passes, though it also applies to all corporations with local and state government contracts of more than $250,000 annually. It would not prevent them from making any political contributions, just ones to candidates for state or local offices within the jurisdiction of their contract. The initiative would also expand Michigan's campaign finance disclosure requirements for political advertising. "After years of tireless organizing to rein in out-of-control spending in Lansing, we're thrilled that voters will finally get a chance to make their voices heard," said Ken Whittaker, Executive Director of Michigan United and member of the Michiganders for Money Out of Politics Executive Committee. "Now, we're laser focused on bringing Michiganders together to resoundingly vote yes in November and stop corporations and regulated monopoly utilities from buying off our politicians." This comes as Michigan's legislature voted this week to make the same changes to Michigan's campaign finance laws. On Tuesday, the Republican-led Michigan House voted 77-26 to adopt the same citizen-led Michiganders for Money Out of Politics initiative. "The people of Michigan have been clear: They want money out of politics and accountability from their government," said Mark Tisdel, R-Rochester Hills. "I listened, and I voted to make sure powerful corporations cannot use political donations to put a thumb on the scale in Lansing." Under Michigan law, the legislature has 40 days to take up and pass a referendum after it is approved by the Board of State Canvassers. If they do not, it then heads to the ballot. While House Republicans hoped to move forward with it legislatively, the Democrat-led Senate said it would not take up the initiative—instead sending it to be placed on the ballot. "MMOP has successfully gathered more than half a million signatures and the message from Michiganders is clear: They want this on the ballot in November," said Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks, D-Grand Rapids. "In that spirit, we will not be subverting the will of the voters, taking it up legislatively." House Republicans expressed frustration with that. "The people didn't just ask permission to someday vote on this," said State Rep. David Martin, R-Genesee. "They exercised their constitutional right to put legislation directly in front of us and ask their representatives to act. The House answered them. The Senate is choosing not to." If the legislature passed the measure, it could be amended by just a simple legislative majority in the future. If it passes via the state ballot, any future changes would require three-fourths support in both chambers. The organizers behind the proposal support Senate Democrats in their decision to allow the initiative to go to the ballot, saying House Republicans had no "intention of getting money out of politics." "Leader Brinks gets it," said Maura Cowley, Campaign Manager for the Michiganders for Money Out of Politics campaign. "Michiganders are fed up with out-of-control corporate political spending and are ready to change our political system this November. We thank her for respecting the will of over half a million voters who made it clear they want to vote on this measure in November." The initiative already faces a legal challenge before the Michigan Supreme Court from Protect MI Free Speech, which argues it restricts free speech.