KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Senator Sean McCann is introducing legislation that would reduce the allowable amounts of money that can be contributed to a candidate’s campaign.
He made that announcement in Kalamazoo on Monday alongside two Kalamazoo residents who try to stay highly involved and informed in today’s political environment.
This legislation would cut all campaign contribution limits to state-level candidates, campaigns, and Political Action Committees in half.
For example, currently a political donor can give $6,800 for a candidate for a state elective office other than the office of state legislator, but under McCann’s bill that top amount would be slashed to $3,400.
The legislation would also eliminate a provision that allows contribution limits to be adjusted based on inflation every 4-years without legislative action.
This means contribution limits would go back to where they were in 2013.
McCann says, “Elections should be decided by the strength of the candidate’s ideas and leadership, not by money…This legislation to cut our campaign contribution amounts is an important step in ensuring lawmakers are accountable to their constituents first.”
According to the Michigan Campaign Finance Network, Michigan’s 2018 election cycle was the most expensive in the state’s history, with over $60-million spent on state legislature campaigns alone.
Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson also released a statement supporting the legislation and adding,“Taking steps to reduce the influence of money in campaigns is common sense, and I commend Sen. McCann for his determination to strengthen the voice of Michiganders in our elections. Returning campaign contribution limits to the 2013 levels is an important move in the right direction. As part of a broader effort that includes measures to get at the unlimited, undisclosed dark money influencing our elections, this would go a long way toward restoring the public’s trust in government. I look forward to working with Sen. McCann and his colleagues from both sides of the aisle in efforts to modernize Michigan’s campaign finance system.”
McCann will formally introduce the legislation to the Senate on Tuesday.
