LANSING, Mich. — Tonight the House of Representatives voted on House Bill 4307, a political gaming bill that will amend the Michigan Constitution. In response, state Rep. Bill Sowerby (D-Clinton Township) issued the following statement:
“Today I voted no on House Bill 4307 because people expect more transparency and less money in the political process. Contrary to what was approved in a statewide vote in 1996, millionaire and billionaire casino owners will now be allowed to give money to state legislators. Even worse, casino owners will no longer have to disclose to the public their past felony crime convictions, their financial failures — including bankruptcies — or their failures to pay their taxes. Michiganders expect and deserve more transparency and accountability from those who have such incredible responsibility, and this legislation severely diminishes that standard.”