IS THERE PUBLIC SUPPORT? Our polling has consistently shown over 80% of Michigan voters, including 90% of Democrats, 84% of independents, and 66% of Republicans, support these policies. This cross-party consensus underscores the broad appeal of reducing corporate influence in state politics, particularly for regulated monopolies and corporations seeking government contracts, making it a unifying issue for voters statewide.

Michiganders across party lines are ready to reduce the influence of corporate money in politics, and make their elected officials more accountable to the people. 

WHAT ABOUT FREE SPEECH / CITIZENS UNITED?

This issue is 100% about free speech, and how unchecked spending by these large corporations - who are benefiting from state contracts - is drowning out the speech of both small businesses and every day voters. When corporations who hold state contracts are allowed to spend in politics, everyday people lose. Allowing regulated utilities and corporations with state contracts to spend in politics is an inherent conflict of interest. Let’s make sure our representatives are focused on serving the people of Michigan.

Pay-to-play laws are very normal. In fact, 15 states and the federal government already have laws on the books that restrict corporations that hold or are seeking a contract with the state from spending in politics. This is because there is an inherent conflict of interest when a corporation that is profiting from a government contract is also giving campaign contributions to the very people green-lighting their contracts.

WHO IS INVOLVED?

The Michiganders for Money Out of Politics coalition includes Clean Water Action, Climate Cabinet, Community Change Action, Detroit Action, Michigan Environmental Justice Coalition, Michigan League of Conservation Voters, Michigan United Action, MOSES Action, Progress Michigan, and Voters Not Politicians.

CAN I READ THE PETITION LANGUAGE?

Yes, at mopupmichigan.org/petition-language. 

The Money Out of Politics initiative addresses a fundamental issue: the need for elected officials to be accountable to the people, not corporations who are trying to line their own pockets. Michiganders are particularly concerned about the impact of corporate money on kitchen table issues like healthcare costs and utility bills, and this proposal is a critical step toward making our government work for everyone.

Michigan voters want an ethical, accountable, and transparent government that they can trust to work for the people, not special interests. By ending the corporate capture of our elected officials by regulated monopolies and government contractors, Michigan voters can have a stronger voice in our democracy and can hold both politicians and these corporations more accountable.