Campaign Finance Reform Passes Senate

Liz Gullett

Sep 15, 2017

On Thursday, the Senate passed a two-bill package making reforms to campaign finance in Michigan. The proposal would allow independent expenditure committees to raise and spend unlimited funds. It also allows for candidates to solicit funds for those committees, but would prohibit them from telling the committee how to spend the funds. “This is a divisive issue, with supporters and opposition actively making their case. Those if favor of the proposal state this is about codifying a landmark US Supreme Court decision from 2010. While those opposed to the legislation worry this will decrease transparency in the political fundraising world and increase corporate dollars in campaigns,” stated Matt Sowash of MLC. The bills also detail several prohibitions on the independent committees and penalties if they don’t comply, including facing felony charges.

The bill package has been referred to the House Elections and Ethics Committee for further consideration and is scheduled for a committee hearing next week.

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