A Push to Limit Political Contributions from Utilities and Contractors
A new initiative aimed at curbing the political influence of public utilities and certain state contractors has taken a significant step forward. This week, proponents of the measure submitted petition language to the state’s election board, marking the beginning of a critical review process.
The submission triggers a 30-day period during which the Board of State Canvassers will examine the petition’s compliance before the signature collection phase can commence. This involves crafting a 100-word summary to be included at the top of the petition document.
The campaign, spearheaded by Michiganders for Money out of Politics, is a coalition that includes environmental and voting rights groups. Sean McBrearty, the campaign’s vice chair, emphasized the urgency of beginning the signature collection, even if it means canvassing during the challenging winter months.
“We’ve heard from people across the state who are excited about being able to take our power back from bad corporate actors and exert the people’s influence over our government again. And so we’re excited to get folks out able to sign this,” McBrearty stated.
The proposed measure mirrors bipartisan legislation introduced earlier this year in the Michigan House of Representatives. This legislative effort follows previous bills that stalled in the state legislature.
McBrearty argues that to counteract the influence of utilities and large contractors, a direct appeal to voters via the ballot is necessary. “This is not something the legislature is going to do itself. If the people want to take back their power from the government contractors and monopoly utilities, the way to do it is at the ballot,” he explained.
Highlighting the financial influence of utilities, OpenSecrets data indicates that Consumers Energy and DTE Energy have spent over $2 million and $1.2 million respectively on lobbying activities in 2023 and 2024.
Both companies have refuted any allegations of improper conduct. Ryan Lowry, spokesperson for DTE Energy, affirmed in a statement that, “DTE Energy is committed to being a responsible corporate citizen and complies with all applicable laws regarding corporate donations and political contributions.” He further noted that their political contributions are funded by a voluntary employee PAC or shareholders, not customer revenues.
Consumers Energy did not provide a comment in response to a recent inquiry but has previously expressed a similar stance, maintaining that their political activities are not financed by ratepayer funds.
Editor’s note: DTE Energy and Consumers Energy are among Michigan Public’s corporate sponsors.
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