LANSING, Michigan – On November 3, Michigan voters will consider Proposal 2, a citizen‑initiated initiative formally titled the “Money Out of Politics” proposal. If approved, the measure would bar regulated electric and natural gas utilities, as well as government contractors with more than $250,000 in annual state contracts, from making certain direct or indirect contributions to candidates or officeholders whose jurisdictions affect those businesses.
What the measure would change
In addition to the contribution limits, Proposal 2 would expand disclosure requirements for political communications that clearly identify candidates or ballot questions, even when the messages do not explicitly urge voters to support or oppose them. The language also calls for those disclosures to apply to online political communications.
Supporters argue it curbs undue influence
Organizers of the initiative, Michiganders Money Out of Politics (MOP UP Michigan), collected more than 560,000 signatures to place the measure on the ballot. Co‑chair Christy McGillivray said the campaign grew out of concerns about rising utility rates, health‑care costs, and the sway large political contributions can have in Lansing.
“Part of the reason why we’ve seen rate hike after rate hike and data centers exploding everywhere is because utilities throw their weight around in Lansing,” McGillivray said. She contended that regulated utilities should not be able to make large political contributions to elected officials who have regulatory authority over them.
Supporters believe limiting these contributions would reduce potential conflicts of interest and help keep political decisions focused on the public good rather than corporate interests.
Opponents warn of unintended consequences
Both DTE Energy and Consumers Energy have voiced strong opposition. DTE called the proposal “a direct attack on Michiganders – intended to silence them from lawfully participating in issues that affect their lives, families and communities.” The company argues the measure could shift political influence toward wealthy out‑of‑state donors and special‑interest groups.
Consumers Energy raised a similar concern, noting that while the proposal would not eliminate political spending, it could move influence away from Michigan businesses and toward national donors. The company also warned that employees might lose some ability to participate in political activity through employee‑supported political organizations, such as the CMS Energy Employees for Better Government PAC.
Context and next steps
The Michigan Public Service Commission continues to regulate investor‑owned electric and natural gas utilities, including DTE and Consumers Energy, and rate cases involving both companies remain active before the commission. The measure has already cleared the state Legislature and was approved for the ballot by the Michigan Board of State Canvassers in August.
Voters who support the proposal will see a “yes” vote adopt the restrictions, while a “no” vote will reject them. Absentee voting is available ahead of Election Day, giving voters additional time to review the measure and related information.
What voters are saying
Local residents interviewed by WXYZ expressed a desire for more time to research ballot questions. Voter Mike Sternberg said having an absentee ballot allows him to look up information online rather than rely solely on television commercials.
“I can go online, I can research it, I don’t have to rely on, you know, whatever commercial comes on television that’s giving me one side of the story,” Sternberg said.
Proposal 2 is one of two statewide questions on the November ballot, the other asking whether Michigan should convene a constitutional convention.
Original reporting: WOWO News/Talk (Fort Wayne) — read the source article.
