Politics & Government
Michigan Democratic Lawmakers Introduce Legislation To Curb Campaign Spending Power Of Corporations
The joint resolutions propose codifying the change into the Michigan Constitution.
July 8, 2026
State Rep. Betsy Coffia, a Democrat from Traverse City, and state Sen. Sean McCann, a Kalamazoo Democrat, introduced legislation in their respective chambers last week to limit the powers of business corporations, nonprofit corporations and limited liability companies to participate in campaign spending.
Find out what's happening in Across Michiganfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The legislation seeks to curb the impact of the 2010 landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission by utilizing states’ authority “to create, charter and regulate the powers of corporations operating within their state,” so that those entities do not have “any power to pay, contribute, or expend money or anything of value in support of, or in opposition to, a candidate, political party, political committee, or ballot question.”
The joint resolutions propose codifying the change into the Michigan Constitution.
Find out what's happening in Across Michiganfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
“In my three and a half years in the legislature, I have witnessed all too clearly the power of rampant, unchecked corporate power rotting the soul of democracy in Michigan,” Coffia said in a press release. “I have seen big insurance, utility monopolies, and other special interest groups wield staggering levels of influence over what bills are even allowed a committee hearing, regardless of which party is holding the gavel. This legislation is desperately needed and long overdue to refocus Michigan politics on serving everyday Michiganders, not corporate CEOs and their shareholders.”
Sen. Sean McCann (D-Kalamazoo), chair of the Senate Energy and Environment Committee. March 4, 2026 | Photo by Kyle Davidson/Michigan Advance.
Michigan Advance, a hard-hitting, nonprofit news site, covers politics and policy across the state of Michigan through in-depth stories, blog posts, and social media updates, as well as top-notch progressive commentary. The Advance is part of States Newsroom, a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit supported by grants and a coalition of donors and readers.
