A Michigan group wants to separate big donors from politicians.
Michigan United Action says lawmakers should not be allowed to take money from corporations and also make policy and regulatory decisions about those same entities. Group Director Ken Whitaker is collecting signatures for a ballot proposal that he says would help limit the potential conflict.
Whitaker gave an example of how big money in state politics may be hurting residents.
“DTE donates to 80% of the Legislature, and the Legislature allows these increases to keep happening,” Whitaker said. “And at that point, people are interested. And then I go into explaining that anyone with a contract over $250,000 would not be allowed to donate to the Legislature.”
Whitaker said they’re seeking more than 350,000 signatures to get that measure on the ballot.
