Bill passed by Senate would expand corporate and special-interest spending on campaigns

LANSING — An expansion of the federal Citizens United decision, which vastly increased corporate and special interest spending on campaigns, was passed by the Republican-controlled Senate on Thursday.

Under the bill, candidates could solicit unlimited contributions to independent expenditure committees or super PACs, which could then use the money to support the aspirations of the candidate.

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Supporters of the bill claim the measure simplify codifies the federal Citizens United decision into state law. In 2010, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned a ban on unlimited contributions by corporations and unions into political campaigns, saying it was a violation of the First Amendment right to free speech. As a result, super PACs fueled with millions in donations have blossomed across the country to try to influence elections.

But Democrats said that any changes in campaign finance law should increase transparency and accountability.

“It is the fundamental principle in our democracy that each person gets one vote. It’s not supposed to matter how much money you have,” said Sen. Rebekah Warren, D-Ann Arbor. “The practical implication of this bill is that unchecked spending will overwhelm the voices of ordinary citizens.”

Sen. Steve Bieda, D-Warren, said Michiganders don't want corporations interfering even more in elections.

"It makes the swamp even swampier and feeds the swamp monsters even more," he said.

But Senate Majority Leader Arlan Meekhof, R-West Olive, said the bill is just an expansion of free speech for all citizens.

"We're codifying what the Supreme Court said is free speech for all people including corporations," he said. "Everybody should have free speech, and the Supreme Court has said that free speech equals money and what you give."

The bill — SB 335 — passed on a 23-12 vote with only Republicans supporting the legislation. All the Senate Democrats, plus Republicans Margaret O’Brien, of Portage, and Tory Rocca of Sterling Heights, voted against the bill.

The legislation now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. Meekhof said he has received assurances from Republican leadership in the House that it will be taken up and passed.

"It wouldn't leave my hands if it wasn't going to go all the way," he said.

A hearing on the bill is scheduled for 8:15 a.m. Tuesday in the House Elections and Ethics Committee, and Speaker of the House Tom Leonard, R-Dewitt, said he supports the bill.

"This is a First Amendment issue, and I support resolving it," he said.

Contact Kathleen Gray: 313-223-4430, kgray99@freepress.com or on Twitter @michpoligal.