Citizen-led ballot initiatives seek to limit electricity firms’ political donations in Michigan
Summary
Michigan voters are considering a statewide measure to restrict political contributions by regulated utilities and companies with substantial government contracts. Separately, Ann Arbor voters are considering a proposal to create a city board to plan a public electric utility that could eventually replace DTE Energy; both efforts could face legal challenges.Key Facts
- State Proposition 2 would bar regulated gas and electric utilities and companies with more than $250,000 in government contracts from making political contributions.
- Proposition 2 would also restrict political donations by company executives, their immediate family members, and other people with close ties to the companies.
- Ann Arbor Proposal E would establish a board to manage the creation of a city-owned electric utility.
- A second vote would be required before the proposed Ann Arbor utility could replace DTE Energy as the city’s electricity supplier.
- DTE Energy and Consumers Energy serve about 80% of Michigan electricity customers, according to the article.
- The article says federal data places Michigan among the states with the most frequent and longest power outages.
- An opposing group argues Proposition 2 violates free-speech protections; supporters say they designed it to comply with the law.
- The article reports that a recent poll found 71% support for the statewide political-contribution proposal.
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