House Dems Propose Campaign Finance Reforms

House Democrats are backing legislation to reform Michigan campaign contribution laws.

The campaign finance reform bill package would require more transparency from super PACs, lower contribution limits, require monthly campaign finance reports and that all late filing fees be paid by the candidate, not through committee funds.

Democratic State Representative Jon Hoadley says the rise of dark money, which are groups with unidentified donors, and super PACs allow anonymous donors to have a significant impact on the election process.

He says that’s not a government of the people, by the people, but a government for special interests.

Representative Vanessa Guerra, also a Democrat, says changing the nature of reporting will give the public the opportunity to see, in real time, how secret last minute donations can affect a race.

Both lawmakers say the bills will close loopholes in the system.